Strengthening Community Leadership through Mentoring
Community Waikato in collaboration with the Mentoring Foundation delivers a Mentoring Programme that has been designed to help grow leadership in social and community sector leaders.
Mentoring is a relationship that supports and encourages the leadership journey of individuals and their organisations. In simple terms mentoring is about one person learning from the experience and wisdom of another.
Our programme takes a holistic approach, matching a mentee with a mentor who not only has experience relevant to the mentee's specific leadership development needs, but who will also view the leadership journey in relation to the mentee's personal context, priorities and well-being.
This ongoing relationship connects with the leaders at whatever point they are in their leadership journey and helps them unlock the traits within themselves by talking through issues, offering advice, or even just getting a bit of insight from an external sounding board.
This has real benefits for their organisations. Mentored leaders are more effective at getting things done. They are more inspired and more inspiring to their staff. They’re less likely to move on, because they can make a real difference in their role. They go on to be great mentors themselves, passing the benefits of mentoring down the chain.
“This program has made me reflect comfortably and take ownership of my potential, it has taught me to accept praise when due” 2022 participant
What does it involve?
MENTEES
The role of a Mentee is to learn and grow by being challenged, guided and supported by your Mentor.
For example:
By helping you to reflect on your current situation and focus areas
Being a sounding board for ideas and concerns
Sharing their knowledge, experience and tools
Making connections to relevant people and resources
Challenging and providing accountability
You will be matched with a mentor whose skills and experience overlap with your current needs. Together with your mentor you will work towards identifying focus areas and achieving a goal(s).
MENTORS
As a Mentor you will be matched with a mentee whose current needs overlap with your skills and experience. Your role is to advise, support, guide and challenge your Mentee.
For example:
Helping your mentee to reflect on their current situation and goals
Being a sounding board for ideas and concerns
Sharing your knowledge, experience and tools
Making connections to relevant people and resources
Challenging for and providing accountability
We are currently seeking both Mentees and Potential Mentors for our 2023 programme. Please register your interest by filling out the form at our website. Please get your registrations in by mid to late March 2023
For more information please contact Sally Fenwick Ridley (Programme Coordinator) sally@communitywaikato.org.nz