How can you build a sense of community in virtual mentoring relationships?

When it comes to creating a sense of community, there are three key aspects you must consider/ define from the outset: 1. Method and frequency of communication: where will the community 'meet' and when? The best way here is to create regular virtual calls (in Zoom for instance) and to have a space that is always available for comments/ opinions/ support like a Facebook group. 2. Type of support available: how can everyone use the community? I find that it's key to define if the mentor will provide active support in the community or if it's a space purely for members. 3. Type of communication/ updates: how are members meant to use the space? I find it valuable when members can share updates about everything: the good and the bad!

To build a sense of community in virtual mentoring relationships, encourage regular communication through video calls, provide opportunities for informal discussions, and foster a supportive online environment. Establish clear goals, maintain open lines of communication, and leverage collaborative platforms for shared resources and discussions. Additionally, creating virtual events or workshops can enhance connection and engagement among the participants.

Community can only come with regular attendance. This is the hardest of things to impart on others. Experience says that starting a new habit is hard for all, so make it inviting and convenient. Any block or potential downside will impact success. Do not underestimate the work needed to create something new. Most of all. Don’t get despondent due to impatience. “Build it, and they will come”

Community and virtual mentoring, in my world, requires: - areas of common self-interest - authentic and vulnerable conversations - trust, rapport - a real feeling we believe and want everyone to achieve what they are working on - it requires time, investment and for me mentoring with love

In my few years as a Brand and Product designer, building a sense of community in virtual mentoring relationships is vital. Regular video check-ins, like "Designers' Coffee Hour," create a relaxed environment. Sharing success stories, such as a collaborative rebranding project, inspires a collective spirit. Utilize collaborative tools like Miro for joint brainstorming sessions. By curating a virtual space that encourages open dialogue and celebrates achievements, a vibrant community emerges, enhancing the mentoring experience for both mentor and mentee.

Creating a sense of community in virtual mentoring relationships involves fostering connection. I encourage regular group sessions, where mentees can share experiences, support each other, and feel a part of a shared journey. Utilising online forums or platforms for ongoing discussions helps build rapport and a supportive atmosphere. Additionally, I emphasise the importance of mutual respect and active listening, fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and heard.

Personally, I think multiple channels might dilute the conversation. But using technology to ease collaboration, or submission of “to do list” might be useful for any coaching or mentorship sessions. I think Trello might work. Collaboration is key. Technology that can send us reminders, or have us on the same page of the history and context of the conversations will help too. What the coaching and mentoring goal was overall and at the end of each coaching and mentoring session.

I do think a multi-modal process of communication is important to have, especially in groups. It provides the opportunity for more personal connections. While group interactions are a vital element of any successful journey, real change comes about on a personal level. In my role as a coach, I know that each person will have different internal impact from different types of interaction. You can think of it as a holistic approach to communication.

It takes commitment by both parties. Weekly calls work the best. Asking questions.. to see what and how the other person prefers to communicate. Video calls, phone calls, email. Asking questions are the most important and trusting your intitution for the right feedback works well too.

I love the idea of feedback. It’s important to encourage constructive feedback loops among peers. They are then able to understand how their actions affect others and hence promote a culture of continuous improvement and building of their self awareness skill

Everyone defines safe space differently but at the end of the day it should be one where peoples’ experiences are validated, heard, and encouraged. Everyone comes from different life experiences and we need to honor that. Safe spaces may look different in groups than individuals and as coaches we need to be mindful of what this looks like to the individuals we are supporting. It also requires us to be honest and vulnerable (with our boundaries considered as well) as this safe space allows both the coach and others to grow together. Coaching is an incredibly personal process so the safe space should be safe and effective for all involved.

One good practice is to bring forward common fears and redirect them. Everyone is afraid of being seen as stupid or incompetent. Outlining that all ideas can be evaluated on their merit and failures are actually opportunities can help remove psychological and emotional barriers to really make people feel safe. It encourages true collaboration and innovation.

En mi opinión crear un espacio seguro donde cada participante aporte con naturalidad es el punto más importante con diferencia para lograr crear el ambiente necesario para que florezca la confianza. La confianza es la columna vertebral de una comunidad de aprendizaje, donde todo el mundo (con mayor o menor experiencia) puede hacer valiosas aportaciones. Sin confianza no existe una comunidad, simplemente un grupo de personas.

I agree safety is of the most importance during the internet error we’re everything’s is open to everyone. In spaces that require me to be vulnerable as well as my attendees I make it my business to affirm safety, empathy, resources, understanding and most of all a no judgement zone. Guidance and a ear to hear is sometimes all that we need to allow ourselves the space to grow and step into the next level of life and if the program or virtual space I’m in is allowing that it make space for the best me to show up and show out!

Peer to peer learning so important. We are social beings and we learn what to do and not to do from others’ experiences. We experience social learning all through development and get it from the time we are infants and toddlers. We need to lean on the importance of each other as this also solidifies relationships that organically development during the coaching process itself. It also allows for another layer of accountability in group settings. Whether it is active or passive peer to peer learning, this is a great way to celebrate the perspectives and strengthen the relationships created.

Part of the role of a coach get your team in a position to succeed through creating an environment for individuals to gain knowledge for their own betterment. Peer to peer conversation is a critical piece of that foundation. As a coach, I view this as one of my primary responsibilities to foster a positive community mindset.

Sometimes the best opportunities for growth come about unexpectedly. A coach should be prepared to make adjustments as needed by the situation and person. Part of the benefit of using a coach is the flexibility and personal insights that a preset learning program is not able to offer.

Sometimes you need to deliver hard feedback to the mentees. Always as a mentor honor your commitment to them, in time and being responsive. Create a safe place, by listening to them, challenge them and keep conversations private. If you don't you'll lost the trust and won't get it back.

Don’t limit your thinking on who can be a mentor or coach. This could be someone younger, older, less experience than you, etc. you can learn something from all experiences!

Be Authentic Show your mentees/coachees who you really are. Show them that you also fail at things and if you are coaching them through a journey (phase) that you have already overcome show them that you understand the likely struggles they may face. This makes them feel safe but also comfortable as you showing who you really are not just as the expert makes them feel they can trust you to guide them and but also have confidence that you will not judge them. This creates a sense of belonging.

Establish regular meeting times and stick to them. Having a consistent schedule helps create a rhythm and routine that makes the relationship feel more solid. It also shows commitment on both sides.

Be honest with them. Do the right thing. Be flexible. If they have done something unprofessional like not being prepared for a meeting, don't be afraid and say something.. No one else will likely say something. A mentor can.