FAQs
Mentoring and
Peer Learning FAQs
We’ve got answers to your top frequently asked questions
on mentoring, mentoring software and peer learning.
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Find out the answers to the top frequently asked questions about mentoring, coaching, peer learning and our software below.
Let’s start with the basics…
What is mentoring?
In short, mentoring is the act of supporting, advising and guiding another person, or people, for the purposes of personal growth. A mentor uses their knowledge and personal experience to help a mentee to develop. Find out more in our article What is a Mentor.
Are there different types of mentoring?
A reverse mentoring program, for example, can be a great way to educate senior leaders on the issues faced by marginalised groups. In this type of mentoring, the junior employee acts as the mentor to someone senior.
This is just one example of how the types of mentoring can be used. We’ve put together a full guide to the different types and their uses.
What are the benefits of mentoring?
Organisations will benefit from greater productivity, the breaking down of inter-departmental silos and fostering a more inclusive working environment. But these are just a few examples! To find out more take a look at our guide to mentoring benefits.
What’s the difference between mentoring and coaching?
Coaching, however, is driven by the coach, who is paid to provide learning in a particular area. Coaches are qualified and accredited by a reputable source, whereas mentors do not need to be professionally trained. You can learn more about the difference between mentoring and coaching on our blog.
What is peer learning?
It’s effective because everyone learns from the exchange. The ‘teacher’ consolidates their learning and the ‘student’ learns in a relaxed, equal environment.
What is sponsorship?
This means that they will vouch for their sponsee and help them gain access to progression opportunities, wider networks and even promotion. They will also offer guidance and advice, similar to mentoring, but with a stronger emphasis placed on what the sponsor can do outside of sessions to help the sponsee develop.
What about allyship?
The purpose of an ally is that they use their position and power to create a safer workplace for everyone. An ally can be from the same or different background to the person they want to help, so long as they are committed to challenging systems and supporting those around them.
Next, let’s look at the questions
that organisations are asking…
How do I start a workplace mentoring program?
You’ll need to consider factors such as the size and ambition of your program, as well as understand what you hope to achieve through mentoring. With proper preparation you can prevent problems later down the line, so make sure you invest time in the planning stages!
What is mentoring software?
This includes matching mentors and mentees, scheduling sessions, and tracking progress. If you want to scale your mentoring program effectively, mentoring software is essential. You can learn more about mentoring software on our blog.
How does mentoring software work?
To find out more about how Guider’s platform works, take a look at our guide.
Do I need mentoring software?
We’ve gone into more detail on when to invest in mentoring software on our blog.
Should we offer a workplace mentoring program?
When you consider the uptick in productivity, employee satisfaction and personal growth of your people, as well as the reduction in employee churn and better retention rates, the question is really why shouldn’t you start a mentoring program?
Find out more on the cost of not doing mentoring.
How does mentoring benefit organisations?
To find out more about the wide-ranging benefits of mentoring for organisations read our guide.
Finally, if you’re an individual looking to become or find amentor, you may have some questions too…
Who can be a mentor?
If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, why not give it a try? Becoming a peer mentor or joining a reverse mentoring program are great ways to develop your experience.
What are the characteristics of a good mentor?
We’ve written a guide to the top characteristics of a good mentor to learn more.
What are the objectives of mentoring?
It’s up to you to set the goals and objectives in your mentoring relationship and come up with a plan to achieve them. If you need additional guidance, we’ve put together a handy guide to goal setting.
Does mentoring help career progression?
While this isn’t the only benefit, it’s a really common reason for people to seek out mentorship.
What benefit do mentors receive from mentoring?
How do I find a mentor or mentee?
Outside of work, you can find mentors by reaching out to your network of colleagues and friends, joining industry networks or events, or looking for an external mentoring program. Don’t be afraid to reach out to people that you admire. For further guidance on how to approach mentors, we’ve put together a handy guide.
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