Today's Friday Share was hosted by the CWIP Committee WLMP, Women’s Leadership Mentoring Program. Currently, the Committee has about 40 women in the program either as a mentor or as a mentee.
Discussing the Mentor-Mentee relationship was broken into three sections. The first section allowed younger professionals the opportunity to apprise the attendees what they are looking for in a mentoring program. The main goals the potential mentees were striving to gain included the following:
- Develop Leadership skills
- Avoidance of burn out
- Network of support
- Managerial roles
The second section of the program introduced us to four outstanding women who are currently in the WLMP mentor/mentee program. Here is the takeaway from each.
Tara Ebrahimi provided tips on how to have an effective mentor/mentee relationship.
- Don’t be shy with your mentor. Ask the tuff questions.
- Have a plan in place but allow yourself to deviate.
Shruti Sexena elaborated on what she has learned from the program.
- Take time to revisit decisions down the line and reflect on them
- Allow new ways of thinking
- You are mentoring yourself when you mentor someone else
Ruth-Anne Renaud provided her perspective on what you can gain from the program on a long-term basis.
- What are the building blocks we are adding to our careers to keep us moving forward?
Claire Dorn wrapped up the session provided some next step directives
- Benefit from an outside perspective
- Reflect
- Initiate and drive the relationship
The overall message was to make the most of the opportunity of a mentor/mentee relationship. It does not just happen, it takes a lot of work, but you will get out of it what you put into it.
The last session was a breakout session that allowed CWIP members and guests to share their own experiences. The messages of the previous sections seeped through.
The WLMP committee is welcoming new committee members. In addition, If you are interested in being a mentor or mentee, the application process is open to August 31. Click here to learn more & apply.
Thank you Jazmin, Glynnis and Donna for your wonderful presentation today and the work you do for the program!