The importance of establishing trust in a mentoring relationship cannot be overstated. A mentee chooses a mentor they want to learn from, so to some extent, a mentee expresses trust in the mentor in the beginning of the selection process. To build this trust and to set the mentee on the path to success, a […]
We recently partnered with Emplify to bring you The Engage Tour, an event series that now includes virtual events, used to convene people-focused executives to build relations and learn new ways to attract, retain, and develop talent. Our first virtual event featured Blaine Hurst, CEO and President of Panera Bread. He shared his background and […]
Build your network. Reach out, connect, and take action. The relationships you build are key to your success at any age, but they’re especially important when you’re just getting started in your career. Even if you know this to be true, you might feel anxious, lack confidence, or just not know where to start when […]
We recently reached out to Suzanne Oakes from Business Furniture to get their insight on mentoring. Suzanne is the VP of Human Resources and Administration, and she offered some of her thoughts on her own mentoring experiences as well as the upcoming mentoring engagements for the Business Furniture employees. DTS: WHY […]
We recently reached out to one of our new clients, Scantron, to get some feedback on their experiences in the program so far. Nikki Eatchel, Chief Assessment Officer for Scantron has more than 24 years of experience in the assessment industry. She has been personally responsible for the leadership and management of large-scale programs around […]
I recently had a chance to interview Mellissa Boggs, SVP Human Capital at Kite Realty, for a blog series I am doing with diversity and inclusion leaders, to talk about the value of mentoring in the workplace. Mellissa Boggs, SPHR, SHRM-SCP has more than 25 years of management, operations and human resources experience. Mellissa joined Kite […]
Jennie Gerken, 3Rivers[/caption]
Recently, we spoke to Jennie Gerken from Three Rivers Federal Credit Union about their involvement in the mentoring program. 3Rivers has been in this program for the last two years. Jennie has worked with 3Rivers for the past 18 years. The majority of Jennie’s time has been spent in employee development. She has Certifications in Organizational Development from Linkage and Linda Beren’s CORE Approach as well as a Peer Coach within 3Rivers. This CORE Approach Certification provides a better understanding of communication preferences and motivators so she can understand how to honor others perspectives in all aspects of her work. Jennie facilitates the CORE Approach Workshops within 3Rivers and conducts one-on-one conversations to help team members understand the differences between people and their communications preferences so Team3 can work more effectively together for a common purpose.
DTS: WHY DID YOUR COMPANY DECIDE TO OFFER THE MENTORING CIRCLES TO YOUR EMPLOYEES?
JG: We thought it would be a great way to offer options to better employee’s professional skills. We wanted to try it out as an additional tool to click with someone who was maybe looking for an unbiased, outside mentor. We first offered it to our female employees, but have expanded it to everyone this year.
DTS: WHAT SUCCESSES HAVE YOU HAD WITH THE PROGRAM?
JG: The feedback has been overall positive. We have a Certified Career Coach in our organization who has reported an increase in employees going to her after talking with their mentors. We regularly receive personal testimonials from participants who have grown as a result of the program.
DTS: WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR FAVORITE STORIES OF CONNECTIONS MADE THROUGH THE PROGRAM?
JG: There was an employee who actually partnered with a team member after participating in the program. Overall I hear a lot about how people feel like they aren’t alone, have gained confidence, and how they affirm they on the right track. I think people share similar experiences, lessons learned, and find they are open to learning from failures. I liked the Personal Board of Directors aspect, finding your own personal and professional board, as well as seeking someone else out to be a connection, letting someone help. The growth in individuals and eye-opening experiences are exciting.
DTS: HAVE YOU HAD PERSONAL SUCCESSES WITH THE PROGRAM YOU WISH TO SHARE?
JG: I’ve found the engagement inside has been beneficial. The importance of the program software is that it helps measure the success on the return on investment.
At Diverse Talent Strategies, we offer mentoring programs and resources for both individuals and companies. To learn, more, contact us today.At Diverse Talent Strategies, we are seeking mentors for our signature Talent Nexus Mentoring program, which is a mentoring program like no other. Talent Nexus is a unique mentoring model which companies and organizations participate in to offer mentoring to their employees or members, in addition to a diverse pool of college students through our […]
News Release Trois Hart Associate Vice President, Marketing University of Saint Francis t: 260.399.8050 c: 260.415.2401 For Immediate Release USF to Launch New Mentoring Initiative June 21, 2017 FORT WAYNE, Ind. — The University of Saint Francis is partnering with Diverse Talent Strategies to launch Talent Nexus, a community-based mentoring initiative. Local businesses and organizations […]
This time of year is perfect for reflecting on the things we are most thankful for in our lives. That may be a healthy family, a great job, or good friends to keep you grounded. All of these things are important to our everyday well-being, as and we come upon Thanksgiving and the holiday season, […]