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Mentoring in Action
Book

Mentoring in Action

A Practical Guide for Managers

Kogan Page, 2006
First Edition: 1995 more...

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Editorial Rating

6

Qualities

  • Applicable

Recommendation

Although virtually every informed observer agrees that modern organizations must evolve more rapidly in order to thrive, few companies sufficiently emphasize the importance of mentoring - face-to-face coaching that prepares workers to assume greater responsibilities. Described as "a celebration of mentoring in action," this practical handbook explains how to establish a mentoring program. It assumes that you are already familiar with mentoring terminology. Authors David Megginson, David Clutterbuck, Bob Garvey, Paul Stokes and Ruth Garrett-Harris emphasize the importance your organization’s culture plays in the establishment of a mentoring program. The book is primarily a series of case studies - more than 25, involving a wide variety of corporate and academic examples - wrapped in an extended introduction and a conclusion. getAbstract recommends this book as a manual for academic, management and human resource professionals who are interested in mentoring. Those who are not yet convinced that their organizations need mentoring programs may see the light after they read this book.

Summary

Perspectives on Mentoring

For clarity, you may want to view the business of mentoring - how to best teach and develop people within an organizational framework - from multiple perspectives. These include:

  • Cultural impact - How will mentoring affect, influence and possibly alter the impact of the company’s culture? What elements will you emphasize or eliminate?
  • Mentoring "schemes" - How will the mentoring plan be implemented? What are the operational systems, schemes or processes that will drive mentoring forward?
  • Individual relationships - Because the most effective mentoring takes place between individuals, it’s a mistake to view mentoring apart from its relational aspects. Some individuals have natural rapport, and some do not; some people are gifted at conveying information and behaviors to others, and some are not. To maximize the benefits of mentoring, nurture the mentoring relationship.
  • Mentoring techniques - You can view mentoring as a matter of technique, which means showing mentors which methods work best when it comes to teaching others.
  • "Mentoring moments" - Those who have benefited from mentoring often say that a particular...

About the Authors

David Megginson is the co-founder of the European Mentoring and Coaching Council. David Clutterbuck is visiting professor of mentoring and coaching at Sheffield Hallam University, where Bob Garvey is the leader of the related research unit. Paul Stokes is a senior lecturer at the coaching and mentoring research unit, and Ruth Garrett-Harris is a lecturer, researcher and consultant.