Mentoring guides
12 short guides for the HR teams who build the program, the mentors who run the sessions and the mentees who own their growth. They draw on research and field-tested methods; sources for research findings are listed at the end of each guide.
- 12 guides
- 74 minutes of reading
- Free to read and share
From building to measuring, in order
We've ordered the guides along the flow of a program. Read them start to finish, or jump in at the stage you're in.
- 1BuildHow to build a mentoring program: a corporate program in 7 steps8 min read · HR and program managers
- 2BuildHow to build a mentor pool: finding, inviting and keeping the right volunteers5 min read · HR and program managers
- 3MatchMentor–mentee matching: criteria, scoring and common mistakes7 min read · HR and program managers
- 4RunAfter the initial excitement: keeping mentoring relationships alive through the cohort5 min read · Program coordinators and HR teams
- 5PreparePreparing mentors for the first session: a 3-hour preparation workshop5 min read · HR and program managers, mentors
- 6PrepareThe first mentoring session: preparation, agreement and a 45-minute agenda5 min read · Mentors and mentees
- 7PrepareA guide for mentees: how to get the most out of a mentoring relationship6 min read · Mentees
- 8MeasureHow to measure the impact of a mentoring program: four levels and a simple cost calculation9 min read · HR leaders and executive committees
What kind of program are you building?
The benefits of a program where younger employees mentor senior leaders, plus the steps for choosing topics, matching, managing power distance, structuring the program and measuring results.
Read the guide 6 min read · HR and program managers, mentorsBefore the expert leaves: a guide to transferring critical knowledge through mentoringA step-by-step plan for identifying at-risk knowledge before a retirement or role change, transferring tacit knowledge through mentoring and measuring whether the successor is ready.
Read the guide 6 min read · HR and program managersGroup and peer mentoring: how to set up mentoring circlesWhen do circles of one mentor and 4–8 mentees, and peer mentoring, work better than one-to-one? Group size, session flow, ground rules and measurement.
Read the guide 6 min read · HR leaders and senior leadershipFrom mentoring to sponsorship: designing a program for women moving into leadershipA mentor gives advice; a sponsor speaks up for you at the decision table. The impact of sponsorship on promotion, program design, sponsor accountability, pitfalls and measurement.
Read the guide