by Dr. Linda Phillips-Jones
Mentoring groups (also called rings or circles) are becoming very popular. Let’s start with some basic information including what it exactly is and some pros and cons of this approach, but first, let’s recollect what is mentoring in its’ general definition.
Definition of group mentoring
People often ask the question: “what is the group mentoring?” A mentoring group (ring or circle) is a collection of mentoring relationships that meets together on a regular basis for an agreed upon length of time.
The group’s primary purpose is to help mentees accomplish two tasks:
- Set important development goals and;
- Build competence and character to reach those goals
The multiple mentoring relationships in the circle include those between the mentor-facilitator (or facilitators) and the mentees as well as the peer mentoring relationships among the mentees themselves. The groups typically consist of eight to twelve mentees and one, two, or three mentor-facilitators. (As an example, Microsoft Corporation selects three mentors per ring, ensuring two mentors will be available in case one of the three is called to an urgent work task.)
Many people point to small circles of one type or another (e.g., work teams and study circles) and assume that these are mentoring circles. Generally, they’re not. What defines an authentic mentoring circle is that the circle’s main purpose is to help individuals be accountable to one another on the two tasks mentioned above.
If you’re feeling lost and struggling to achieve your goals, mentoring groups can be the answer to help you reach those goals. As the article explains, these groups offer a friendly atmosphere where individuals can get support, feedback, and responsibility to overcome barriers and succeed in life. Joining a mentorship group will give you the necessary push to realize your greatest capabilities and attain your goals.
Advantages of Mentoring Groups
- An organization can maximize its pool of qualified mentors, because the mentor-mentee ratio is larger.
- By working together in a group, mentees often bond and build a network, which is valuable for a cohort of mentees joining the organization together or moving at a similar pace into greater responsibility.
- Mentees receive multiple sources of feedback, not just that of one mentor. Hearing the same message from many sources can have increased impact.
- Groups help normalize a mentoring culture throughout the organization.
Disadvantages of Mentoring Groups
- Confidentiality can be an issue. Even though the group agrees to keep all exchanges within the group, information can slip out.
- Not everyone enjoys group learning and sharing. In fact, some people dislike it a lot.
- Of necessity, mentees don’t have as much 1-on-1 contact with the mentor(s) as they often would like.
- Members may feel pressured by the group when they have difficulty setting goals or making progress.
Mentees find that they can benefit from joining a group before, after, or at the same time as they work with individual mentors.
Group Purpose
As noted earlier, mentoring rings exist in order to help mentees identify development goals and build competence and character to reach those goals. In addition, especially in the workplace, the overarching purpose of most rings is career development often in the context of understanding and working with diversity. Some circles form in order to give members exposure to cross-functional and cross-geographical issues. rings outside the workplace focus on many other purposes from member’s spiritual development to the attainment of increased social and emotional intelligence.
Group Makeup
Circles are designed for specific audiences such as new supervisors or managers, high potential leaders, future firm partners, or affinity rings can be the same gender or mixed. Mentor-facilitators are chosen based on the purpose of the ring and the mentors expertise, interest, and availability. Most organizations regulate mentee membership through a screening process and assignments to specific rings. Typically, people are invited to apply on their own, and managers are also solicited for nominations. If you’re a high-potential leader wanting to advance your career, mentoring groups can help you with that! At mentoringgroup.com, we fully recognize the significance of developing solid relationships between mentors and mentees to facilitate growth and development of the organization.
Logistics
Planners must decide how long, how often, and where circles will meet along with how many circles to hold at any one time. The latter depends on how many mentees want to participate, available and qualified mentors, meeting rooms, and how much time coordinators have for supervising all the activities.
Most circles exist for six to twelve months, sometimes extending for another few months. Some rings are ongoing, although our philosophy is that authentic rings should have planned endings to prevent them from losing momentum, to expedite progress toward goals, and to free mentors and mentees for other mentoring relationships.
Most groups meet monthly on the same chosen day for one and one-half to four hours. Workplace groups usually meet on site in a conference room. In other organizations, groups may opt for restaurants or members’ homes. Members sit in a freestanding circle or gather around a large table.