How / why is this mentoring program different to others?

Firstly, the Constructive Mentoring program is designed specifically for the building, design and construction industry. Mentors and mentees can choose to communicate either by email or in person so that finding time for mentoring fits in with your schedules.

What is the cost of the program?

As a mentee, if you (or your employer) is a current financial member of MBA or RAIA, the program cost is $350 inc GST. This cost covers you for the program for a 12 month period and includes the cost to attend the Constructive Mentoring Forums throughout the year as well as the set up of your mentoring program. Mentors can participate regardless of association membership, in a voluntary capacity at no cost. Mentees: Please contact Dominique at the Institute on 02 9246 4055 with your credit card details, which will be processed once you have been matched with your mentor.

How long does the program run for?

The Constructive Mentoring program facilitates mentoring over a 12-month period for all mentoring pairs. The 12 months commences on 15 March 2010 and a second intake which will start on the 1 July 2010.

How do you match me with a suitable mentoring partner?

In the enrolment process, mentees are asked to fill out a form specifying things such as location, age, profession, and specific skill areas they would like to develop. They are then matched to mentors based on key fields, particularly the skills area, so that, where possible, a mentee is paired with a mentor with experience in the fields they need to learn more about.

What if I meet my mentor and find we are not suited?

There is an opt-out clause in the Mentee/Mentor Agreement, which you sign at the Briefing Session, in the rare case that you and your mentor do not get along. We will then endeavour to match you with a different mentor for the duration of the program.

How do I meet my mentoring partner?

We aim for all mentoring pairs to meet face-to-face at an initial briefing session, but after this you are free to meet however is convenient for you. This could be over the phone, via video-chat (eg. Skype), through email communication or face-to-face - however you decide with your mentor / mentee.

When and how often do I meet my mentoring partner?

It is recommended that you have contact with your mentor/mentee at least once a month, for the 12-month duration. Your calls / meetings can go anywhere from 20 minutes to over an hour - it is up to you and your partner. It is best to have a set time each month to catch up to ensure you meet the monthly requirement.

Can I contact my mentoring partner between arranged meeting times?

Of course - the monthly meeting is a minimum, and any reasonable further contact is encouraged.

What do we talk about?

Anything and everything relating to the mentee’s career, business and skills development. The mentor’s role is to offer guidance and support and to act as a sounding board for the mentee, not to give professional advice on how to run their business.

What are the reporting requirements?

Mentors and mentees will be sent a feedback survey regularly (bi-monthly), which enables us to track the relationships and provide support where needed.

What happens at the initial Briefing Session?

The Briefing Session runs for approximately 2 hours introducing the Constructive Mentoring program structure, and how it all works. We will run through all aspects of the program, and take the group through some interactive activities, plus you will also get to meet your mentor face to face at the Briefing Session. By the time you leave you will be ready to embrace the Constructive Mentoring program and all the great benefits it has to offer you and your business!