About the Program
Why Mentorship?
Mentoring values and promotes organizational and individual growth and development. It enriches the learning that takes place throughout the organization, leverages its energy by focusing on employee engagement, and is a powerful way to develop the next generation of leaders.
Self-directed learning is at the heart of a mentoring partnership and, as such, learning experiences are relevant and meaningful. The chances of transferring new learning to the workplace are significantly increased when participants are engaged in practicing new or enhancing current skills within a mentorship relationship.
(Joyce and Showers, 2002)
What is the Leadership Mentoring Program at Algonquin?
The Leadership Mentoring Program is a structured mentorship opportunity that supports the development and growth the 5 leadership skills outlined in the Algonquin College Leadership Requirements Model. Reflective questioning, open dialogue, coaching strategies, guided reflection and focused learning conversations are key components of the program. It is also a great opportunity for participants in the Algonquin Leadership in Education Institute (ALEI) to extend what they have learned in the program to their ongoing learning and practice.
The guiding principles of the program include: a learning partnership based on mutual respect, trust and freedom of expression; a focus on the further development of leadership strengths through practice and reflection; and a transformational and relational approach to learning. The program is not connected to performance management and does not involve mentees working with mentors who are in a supervisory role.
The Leadership Mentoring Program is open to ALL EMPLOYEES who are interested in further developing their leadership potential either as a formal or informal leader in the College.
Goals of the Leadership Mentoring Program
Impact on the Organization
*Increase employee engagement by increasing networks of communication and collaboration
*Increase a culture of mentorship throughout the organization to develop leaders both formal and informal and at all levels of the organization
Capacity Building
*Further develop leadership skills through effective professional learning opportunities that respect adult learning preferences
*Enhance the Algonquin Leadership in Education Institute (ALEI) program – putting Algonquin College’s Leadership Requirements Model “to work”
Succession Planning
*Ensure the passing on of valuable knowledge and expertise to better prepare the leaders of the future within the organization
Benefits to Participants in the Leadership Mentorship Program
In addition to a great opportunity to integrate learning into lived experiences in the workplace, participants in this program have the opportunity to be part of a mentoring learning network. This learning network meets in a series of facilitated virtual sessions when participants in the program will:
- learn more about effective mentorship and gain further mentoring skills;
- share knowledge, expertise and ideas within a large group supported by a facilitator;
- develop effective practice using examples and discussion;
- develop a “network” of mentors and mentees to support each other throughout the mentoring cycle
Participants also have exclusive access to a course set up on the Employee Learning platform. The course houses documents, forms and great resources to aid in the mentoring process.
The Process: Recruitment, Selection, and Matching of Mentees and Mentors