Information Technology Advisory Board

Information Technology Advisory Board (ITAB)

IT Mentoring - Mentor Guide

The purpose of the Mentoring Program is to establish a mentoring relationship between volunteer Mentors and new IT Managers within the state government IT community.

By providing newcomers with a professional contact, the program gives them the opportunity to interact with seasoned professionals, to gain insight into How the state IT community functions, Who's who in our community and a view of the tasks ahead.

The goal of the Mentoring Program is not only to help Protégés gain information but also to assure that they will be more prepared to deal with the realities of state government IT challenges. A mentor's time, wisdom, and experience are invaluable to this program.

The Role of a Mentor

The following guidelines serve to provide only as much structure as is needed to give Mentors and Protégés a common set of expectations. Each Mentor and Protégé will develop their own relationship. As a Mentor, you are expected:

To share your own experiences, insights, and advice with a new protégé. Protégés are vitally interested in how you reached your current position; what factors or events formed your managerial or work style and your beliefs; how your own style impacts the organization in which you work. In this respect, you can provide a powerful role model to help new IT managers envision their own position and personalize the realities of organizational leadership.
To invite the Protégé into your organizational environment to give him/her a glimpse of how you function within that context. It is very helpful for Protégés to see you on the job. It provides them with another organizational context in which to observe the concepts they are learning. We hope that you will not only spend time with them, but also arrange for them to meet and talk with other managers and leaders in your organization so they can get insight into the operations of the organization and the challenges it faces.
To become familiar with your Protégé's aspirations and be willing to advise them as appropriate. We are not asking you to become career advisors to the Protégés. We do anticipate that your Protégé may want to get your advice on her/his career. We hope that the relationship will develop such that you will be open to providing advice.
To expose the Protégé to relevant professional associations, trade journals and/or trade shows. This will provide Protégés with additional examples of what it is like to be an IT professional within the state environment and exposes them to current information.

Who are the mentors?

Mentoring, like management, is a function, not a title - we earn the label by our deeds, and not just what we call ourselves.

A good mentor:

Does not blame - stays neutral.
Will give honest answers.
Is not intimidating; and is easy to approach at any time.
Knows what they are talking about and is good at his/her own job.
Actively questions.
Is enabling, caring, open and facilitative.
Gives constructive and positive feedback.
Provides subtle guidance, but ensures I make any decisions.
Is interested in me personally and shows genuine concern.
Is willing to debate, argue, discuss.

The Mentor-Protégé Relationship

As participants in the Mentoring Program, Mentors are asked to meet with the Protégé or speak with him or her on the telephone at least twice a month for one year. Mentors and protégés may, however, structure the program to meet the needs of the protégé's or mentor's work schedule. It is the quality of the relationship, not the quantity of time spent, that determines the success of the mentoring relationship. Protégés are encouraged to respect your time and availability limits.

Staying in Contact

It is very important to maintain contact with your Protégé. Contacts can be made by telephone or you can meet informally in your office or over breakfast or lunch. If it is convenient, you are encouraged to invite the Protégé to your office or to presentations, meetings, or wherever else the Protégé can see you in the context of your work. You may also consider inviting your Protégé to special events such as lectures or luncheons, but this is not required.

Tips for Maintaining Contact

Have a note in your tickler file or calendar to call your Protégé
Tell your assistant about your commitment and tell your assistant your Protégé's name
Invite your Protégé to your office or to an event and introduce him or her to your colleagues
If there are days of the week or times of day that you are more available, advise your Protégé
Schedule meetings or telephone conversations in advance
Encourage your Protégé to feel comfortable calling on you
Send a note to your Protégé before and after important events and meetings to wish him or her luck or to offer congratulations

If you have been unable to make contact with your protégé, if you can no longer participate in the program, or if you have any other problems or concerns, please call the Information Technology Services Division.