Mentorship

Introduction of Mentorship

Mentorship in Toastmasters is a supportive relationship where an experienced member (mentor) provides encouragement, guidance, and knowledge to another member (protégé or mentee) as they work toward their personal and professional goals. The purpose of mentorship is to empower protégés to build skills, gain confidence, and achieve their objectives through shared experience and wisdom. Mentoring is a mutually rewarding process that benefits both mentor and protégé by fostering growth, learning, and self-awareness.

Mentor’s Duty

  • Provide Guidance and Support: Mentors help protégés navigate their Toastmasters journey by sharing experience, offering advice, and reinforcing successful strategies.
  • Be Experienced and Knowledgeable: Mentors bring personal Toastmasters experience and wisdom, balancing sharing expertise with allowing protégés to learn independently.
  • Be Positive and Supportive: They listen attentively, encourage, and provide constructive feedback without judgment.
  • Show Respect and Care: Mentors focus on similarities, tailor feedback to the protégé’s personality and goals, and build a trusting rapport.
  • Be Committed and Dependable: Mentors prepare for meetings, maintain consistent communication, and are present to support protégés during key moments like speech presentations.
  • Adapt to Virtual Mentoring: Mentors can also provide support remotely, expanding access and cultural exchange.

Mentee’s (Protégé’s) Duty

  • Seek Guidance Actively: Mentees should be willing to reach out, ask questions, and seek feedback.
  • Be Open and Adaptable: They need to be open to new ideas, willing to learn, and ready to consider suggestions.
  • Respect Mentor’s Time and Boundaries: Being mindful of the mentor’s availability and showing appreciation is important.
  • Be Accountable: Mentees are responsible for their own growth, setting goals, and working toward them with the mentor’s support.
  • Communicate Goals and Progress: Sharing information and progress helps mentors tailor their guidance effectively.
  • Demonstrate a Desire to Improve: Successful protégés show commitment, adaptability, and a positive attitude toward overcoming challenges.

Mentorship Process

  • A mentor is assigned to a mentee by VP Membership upon joining the club
  • Assignment will be done in a round-robin manner
  • Mentorship lasts for 3 months (4th to 6th months are optional) or until completion of first 3 speeches, whichever comes first
  • Extension is possible with mutual agreement between mentor and mentee
  • Mentor and mentee are encouraged to have a call or face-to-face meeting within the first month
  • Members are encouraged to become mentor after completing Pathways Level 1
  • Mentorship should focus on speech delivery and answering questions about the Toastmasters journey
  • Mentor will help with the first 3 speeches, recommended to complete within 3 to 6 months.

Reference and Resources

  1. Club Mentoring Manual – https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/mentoring
  2. Advanced Mentoring-Evaluation Resource – https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/-/media/2392E41B75D4415EAA5AE37B4791EA26.ashx
  3. Introduction to Toastmasters Mentoring-Evaluation Resource – https://www.toastmasters.org/resources/-/media/df2e2065fa984b529e4fda62787d2353.ashx
  4. The Meaning of Good Mentoring – https://www.toastmasters.org/magazine/magazine-issues/2024/oct/good-mentoring
  5. Easy-speak Mentoring Chart – https://easy-speak.org/memberchart.php?chart=8