How do you choose the best mentoring model for your organization?

2 One-to-one vs group mentoring

One-to-one mentoring is the most traditional and common mentoring model, where one mentor works with one mentee on a regular basis, providing guidance, support, and advice. One-to-one mentoring allows for a deep and trusting relationship, and a tailored and individualized approach to the mentee's needs and goals. Group mentoring is a newer and more innovative mentoring model, where one mentor works with a small group of mentees, or where multiple mentors and mentees form a network or a community. Group mentoring allows for a diverse and dynamic exchange of perspectives, experiences, and resources, and a collaborative and social learning environment.

4 Developmental vs sponsorship mentoring

Developmental mentoring is a mentoring model that focuses on the mentee's long-term growth, potential, and career path. Developmental mentoring is holistic, exploratory, and empowering, and helps the mentee discover their strengths, interests, and goals, and develop their skills, competencies, and confidence. Sponsorship mentoring is a mentoring model that focuses on the mentee's short-term advancement, visibility, and opportunities. Sponsorship mentoring is strategic, targeted, and influential, and helps the mentee access networks, projects, and promotions, and showcase their achievements, value, and potential.

5 E-mentoring vs face-to-face mentoring

E-mentoring is a mentoring model that uses technology, such as email, phone, video, or online platforms, to facilitate the communication and interaction between mentors and mentees. E-mentoring is convenient, flexible, and accessible, and can overcome geographical, temporal, or logistical barriers. E-mentoring can also enable a wider and more diverse pool of mentors and mentees, and a more anonymous and confidential relationship. Face-to-face mentoring is a mentoring model that uses physical meetings, such as coffee, lunch, or office visits, to facilitate the communication and interaction between mentors and mentees. Face-to-face mentoring is personal, engaging, and authentic, and can foster a stronger rapport, trust, and commitment. Face-to-face mentoring can also enable a richer and more nuanced exchange of verbal and non-verbal cues, and a more immersive and experiential learning.