For the next few months, many of us will be enjoying much
anticipated vacations and a few long weekends away from the office. But less time in the office does not have to
translate into less time spent with your mentoring partner. There are a number
of fun and creative ways to keep your partnership moving along and the
following are some tips maintaining momentum during the summer:
Modify
you Mentoring Agreement. Plan to take a portion of your next mentoring meeting to share your
summer calendar with your mentoring partner and evaluate if the current meeting
times and frequency are realistic over
the summer months. It is better to work out alternative time frames and even
shortened meeting times if it means you are able to stick to your plans and
stay connected. You can always switch back in September.
Start
you own Book Club. Over the summer months, plan to read a leadership
book together. This is a great way to touch base and sharpen a competency. Even
if one partner is reading their book by the sand and surf, they can still text
or email a thought or observation.
Identify
a new venue for your next meeting. Meeting
with your mentoring partner does not have to occur in the confines of an
office. There are a number of museums and venues you can visit to learn more
about what interests you. If you work in a metropolitan area, a trip to a local
museum is a great way to change things up and stay connected. You can even
discuss a plan or a challenge you are experiencing on the way over.
Challenge
each other to a physical stretch assignment. Discuss with your
mentoring partner an athletic challenge that you would like to take on and go
for it! Maybe it is running a mile or even competing in a triathlon. Make sure
it stretches you physically and keep each other abreast of progress. If you are
both of similar skill, you may even want to train together.
Plan
a group activity. Organize a hike with the entire mentoring
cohort or plan to participate in a run or walk for a cause. Many of us
participate in these events on a regular basis and often with a few friends or
colleagues. By including other mentoring participants in the activity, you have
instantly created a networking opportunity for everyone to get together.
Maintaining your mentoring momentum during the summer
months does not have to be a challenge. It is all about staying connected and
having some fun in the process.
This article was published in The Training Connection, Inc.'s July 2015 Newsletter.
© 2015, The Training Connection, Inc., All Rights Reserved.
Contact Us!
(703) 680-3780
4004 Genesee Place, Suite 109
Prince William, VA 22192
kdrahosz-ttc@comcast.net
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter
