Confused about where to start in implementing a mentoring program?

Successful mentoring programs must:

• Be rooted in a business or strategic need
• Have visible support from top leadership
• Have clear and specific implementation and maintenance plans
• Include a system for measuring and documenting success, needs, and future improvements
• Provide orientation, training, and ongoing support and resources to all participants – mentors and mentees
• Include a closing ceremony to recognize the good work of the participants and encourage mentees to become mentors
• Have follow-up evaluations to determine the lasting impact of the mentoring program

Think about your organization’s mentoring program, if you have one, and whether or not these characteristics are present.