Wednesday, February 23, 2005
Dynamics of a group
Although I’ve mentored people before, I must admit that I haven’t ever thought about it as much as I have over the last few months. I truly believe the awareness of all of the different things involved in mentoring is truly beneficial for both mentee and mentor. I feel like I’ve significantly increased my knowledge about mentoring in general as well as my awareness of all the capacities involved.
My group mentoring project has particularly enlightening. I believe I knew prior to this class that mentoring involves both parties being committed and learning but the group mentoring for me has taken on a different meaning and understanding. As discussed, the mentor definitely can learn as much as the mentee(s) but I think you have to be in a position to open up for that learning. The visual from the Tao of Mentoring book we read comes to mind, that the mentor with the full cup can’t fill it up anymore, he/she has to empty some of his/her cup in order to be open to new knowledge. I’ve tried to keep that mentality. I believe that has helped me tremendously. Instead of being particularily caught up with “directing” the group I have tried to be more like the “encourager” and direct them in a more indirect way. I have learned with a group, the dynamics are very different. Like each person is different, each group is different too. I do believe, however that groups have similarities. For example, I found that it is important when working with a group, to be an active part of the group, preferably an equal. Although, the group I’m working with I’m on a slightly different level, this can work too but there are different dynamics. When mentoring a group, getting buy in from key people or leaders within the group is critical. To me, mentoring a group is much like mentoring multiple individuals and I believe the dynamics are much trickier than they are with a single individual.
I feel like with my particular situation and group, has made me acutely aware that influencing a group and trying to get a group to do something willingly and not by force, is no small task. It requires recognizing the dynamics of the group, identifying leaders, establishing value, and getting buy-in, to name a few.
My group mentoring project has particularly enlightening. I believe I knew prior to this class that mentoring involves both parties being committed and learning but the group mentoring for me has taken on a different meaning and understanding. As discussed, the mentor definitely can learn as much as the mentee(s) but I think you have to be in a position to open up for that learning. The visual from the Tao of Mentoring book we read comes to mind, that the mentor with the full cup can’t fill it up anymore, he/she has to empty some of his/her cup in order to be open to new knowledge. I’ve tried to keep that mentality. I believe that has helped me tremendously. Instead of being particularily caught up with “directing” the group I have tried to be more like the “encourager” and direct them in a more indirect way. I have learned with a group, the dynamics are very different. Like each person is different, each group is different too. I do believe, however that groups have similarities. For example, I found that it is important when working with a group, to be an active part of the group, preferably an equal. Although, the group I’m working with I’m on a slightly different level, this can work too but there are different dynamics. When mentoring a group, getting buy in from key people or leaders within the group is critical. To me, mentoring a group is much like mentoring multiple individuals and I believe the dynamics are much trickier than they are with a single individual.
I feel like with my particular situation and group, has made me acutely aware that influencing a group and trying to get a group to do something willingly and not by force, is no small task. It requires recognizing the dynamics of the group, identifying leaders, establishing value, and getting buy-in, to name a few.
Thoughts on mentoring a core group
Thinking about my group that I'm mentoring. I'm hoping I made the right decision. I feel like the group is difficult. I do know them already but the group is really big but I guess that's ok. I feel like maybe I need to spin this a little into a group of power users'. I'm wondering if I could hand pick some users and ask them to participate in my BB. This could be like the "core user group" for my ARP too which would help others to try it.
Some of the things we talked about in Florida really helped me to think about mentoring a group. The biggest thing I want to get is to help to build a community that calls on one another after the face to face trainings are done. So they not only remember each other but communicate virtually on a regular basis. I think establishing a community is somewhat there but they have no framework for continuing the community. I think this will give them that. I hope the rest happens like I think it will.
Some of the things we talked about in Florida really helped me to think about mentoring a group. The biggest thing I want to get is to help to build a community that calls on one another after the face to face trainings are done. So they not only remember each other but communicate virtually on a regular basis. I think establishing a community is somewhat there but they have no framework for continuing the community. I think this will give them that. I hope the rest happens like I think it will.
Monday, February 07, 2005
Expectations
My expectations for the group mentoring are that I will be able to keep the group's cohesiveness after they have finished their face to face training. I hope to be able to transition them from a face to face group to an equally satisfying virtual relationship. Since the group will be face to face from February 14th to March 23rd, I will focus my interactions and time with them building trust face to face and being available and present as often as possible. I believe the challenge will come in when they return to their respective offices. I will plan to rev up the virtual interaction at this time.
