Mentoring in action (case study) Cara, who works in marketing, indicates that she would like to learn more about her company’s human resources function She isn’t sure if she wants to change career, but would like the opportunity to make an informed choice. Cara talks to John, her team leader, about the possibility of a secondment in HR. John approaches Richard from the HR department, to whom he introduces to Cara as a potential mentor. He bears in mind the need for compatibility between mentor and protege. Richard and Cara agree some overall objectives and a timeframe for Cara’s HR secondment. They arrange a flexible timetable of practical experience for Cara within HR. Cara and John also discuss what should be done about her marketing workload during her secondment. Cara goes on secondment in HR, with Richard as her mentor. Richard then receives feedback from Cara and helps her to weigh up her career choices and decide what to do next What was Richard’s role in mentoring? List (using dot points) all the actions he took in the mentoring role PART B Coaching in action (case study) Will, a call centre worker, needs to improve his interpersonal skills with customers. Robert, his team leader, arranges for Will to be coached by Charlotte, an experienced, popular colleague. Charlotte talks to Will to explain why his behaviour is seen as problematic. Will has the opportunity to put his side of the story. Charlotte and Will then agree the standards of acceptability that Will must achieve. They decide on a time limited coaching program for Will, He will observe examples of best practice during ‘on the job’ coaching Will plans to be able to discuss issues as they occur, so he can work towards practical solutions. During the coaching program. Will has regular reviews with Charlotte and Robert to ascertain his progress When the program finishes, there is a de-briefing session to determine how far Will has met the agreed objectives and to evaluate the program’s overall success. What was Charlotte’s role in coaching and why was she a good choice? List (using dot points) all the actions & accountabilities Charlotte was responsible for as Will’s coach. PART C Now think about your own Work experience and identify a person whom you would like to be your mentor and answer the following questions. Why did you select this person? What do you think that you could learn from them? What are their personal attributes? Now think about your own coaching skills – What skills do you have that would help you as a coach? What skills and/or knowledge would you need to develop to be an exceptional coach?
