How can I participate in the mentoring program?
All new Duke University supervisors who are hired or promoted into supervisory positions are sent an email each month to complete the New Supervisor Orientation program in Duke’s Learning Management System. Those who complete the program are sent an email invitation to complete a Mentoring Profile Survey to be matched with a mentor from the Duke Leadership Academy. Duke HR will review survey submissions for potential mentor matches. New programs are planned every six month.
How long does the program run?
There are two mentoring cohorts offered each year. One runs from March to August, and the other runs from September – February.
How many mentees will you accept for the program?
The plan is to select 15-20 mentees for each program cohort to ensure sufficient mentors for matching.
How are mentors and mentees matched up?
Both mentors and mentees complete a survey to identify characteristics that would make for a good match. Mentees are asked to identify up to three supervisory competencies that they would like to focus on during the program, then they are matched based on mentors who have identified those same competencies among their core strengths. Other considerations include length of time as a supervisor, work location, and specific requests by mentees.
How often are we expected to meet?
Ideally, mentors and mentees should plan to meet at least once a month. These relationships may continue, on an informal basis, after the program ends, if both parties mutually agree.
Will we meet in person or virtually?
In-person meetings are recommended, especially at the beginning of the process, to support the development of the new relationship. As meetings progress, virtual meetings can also be effective, especially if travel is a concern.
What if I want to improve a specific skill set, such as managing difficult conversations or fostering teamwork. Will a mentor be able to help?
Although your mentor may share how he/she/they gained experience working in a particular area, we envision the mentoring program complementing rather than replacing existing resources to improve specific skills. Learning & Organization Development has courses and programs devoted to developing specific skills and competencies for managing people.
