If you answered “yes” to most of those questions, the next step is to contact the state ASBO affiliate to find out what you need to do to become a mentor to a new SBO in your state or region. You can find your ASBO affiliate quickly by clicking here.
Another option to consider is speaking with colleagues who are currently mentors. Find out what they like and dislike about the process. Inquire about a great mentoring experience and one that did not work out as well.
Being a mentor is hard work. On the other hand, it can be instrumental in making a good business official great.
What’s Next?
Once approved as a mentor, either assigned a candidate or asked to mentor one, consider the following suggestions to keep the program on schedule.
- Speak with the coordinator of your mentoring program to confirm what paperwork is needed before any meetings begin, along with due dates for evaluations.
- If you have been asked to be a mentor, before any agreement, talk with the candidate who requested you to ensure you have the same expectations. Some mentors meet more often than others, and some also request additional experience as part of the plan. Communicating this up front with a candidate will avoid future issues, especially when you are in the middle of the program.
- Consider meeting with the candidate and their immediate supervisor to explain the program and discuss the support for the candidate and support for you as the mentor.
- Establish a meeting schedule/timeline, set goals, and create a comprehensive outline of the appointments. Provide flexibility if there are any changes during the mentoring period.
- Communicate! Stay in communication with your candidate. It is easier to answer a question rather than arrive at a resolution to something that occurred…and shouldn’t have.
- If you are struggling, speak to the mentoring coordinator as soon as you feel the program is not working as well as you think it should be.
Conclusion
Being a mentor is hard work. On the other hand, it can be instrumental in making a good business official great. Often, both the professional and the candidate take away valuable lessons from the experience.
If you are at a point in your career where you feel ready to contribute your time and talent to welcome new members of this amazing profession, take the leap — you will be glad you did.