Mentorship Program
The PMI-SWVA Mentorship Program helps Chapter members enhance their project management skills through a one-on-one relationship between experienced PMP professionals and developing project managers. This members-only, voluntary program fosters skill development in specific areas or industries, guided by formal guidelines and structured goals to support the mentoring relationship.
We look forward to having you assist in supporting members accomplish their goals!!!
Program Overview
Mentoring is a developmental partnership through which one person shares knowledge, skills, information, and perspective to foster personal and professional growth of someone else. PMI-SWVA PMP© professionals volunteer as mentors to assist in the professional development of PMI-SWVA members that seek to enhance their program management knowledge and skills.
The three components of a mentorship program are:
- Director (Designated by the Board of Directors following an electoral procedure)
- Mentor
- Mentee
Role of the Director
The role of the Director in a one-on-one relationship is to prepare and share with a mentor a set of goals and objectives he/she hopes to develop as a result of the relationship. The Director will make a commitment to the mentor to work through these goals and objectives. Considering this is a voluntary arrangement, respecting the limits of the mentor’s time and attention is important. A Director must be willing to accept the suggestions and advice of the mentor.
Director Roles and Responsibilities:
- Initiate and maintain contact with the mentor
- Clearly communicate development needs and goals
- Be open to new ideas and approaches
- Be willing to have open and honest dialogue with your mentor
- Take initiative in managing the relationship
- Set and work towards goals and take responsibility for your own development
Role of the Mentor
A mentor plays a vital role in guiding, supporting, and empowering the mentee to grow personally and professionally. Key responsibilities of a mentor include:
- Share knowledge, skills, and expertise to help the mentee achieve their goals.
- Offer practical advice, encouragement, and constructive feedback.
- Listen attentively to the mentee’s concerns, questions, and aspirations.
- Understand the mentee’s unique needs, perspectives, and circumstances.
- Help the mentee identify strengths, areas for improvement, and opportunities for growth.
- Encourage the mentee to set achievable goals and develop an action plan.
- Demonstrate professionalism, integrity, and ethical behavior in both words and actions.
- Serve as an example of success and effective decision-making.
- Offer specific, actionable feedback to help the mentee improve.
- Balance praise with suggestions for improvement to build confidence and competence.
- Empower the mentee to take ownership of their learning and development.
- Encourage self-reflection and problem-solving rather than providing all the answers.
- Build trust by respecting the privacy and confidentiality of shared information.
- Create a safe space for open and honest communication.
- Tailor mentoring approaches based on the mentee’s goals, skills, and developmental stage.
- Be flexible and supportive as the mentee’s priorities evolve.
- Make time for regular meetings and be dependable in fulfilling commitments.
- Provide consistent support and follow through on promises.
Role of the Mentee
The role of a mentee is crucial to the success of a mentoring relationship. Key responsibilities of a mentee include:
- Take initiative in scheduling and attending meetings with the mentor.
- Be fully engaged in discussions and activities during mentoring sessions.
- Clearly communicate goals, expectations, and areas of interest or need.
- Be honest about challenges, progress, and feedback.
- Demonstrate curiosity and a readiness to gain knowledge, skills, or insights.
- Show openness to constructive criticism and suggestions for improvement.
- Define specific, achievable goals for the mentoring relationship.
- Regularly review and adjust goals as progress is made.
- Act on the advice or guidance provided by the mentor.
- Take ownership of personal and professional development.
- Respect agreed-upon boundaries and time commitments.
- Foster a positive, respectful, and reciprocal relationship with the mentor.
- Offer feedback to the mentor about what is helpful or less effective in the mentoring process.
