MENTORING INFORMATION
Mentoring is a two-way relationship. A mentoring partnership involves shared experiences, communication and practical assistance. Mentoring demands a commitment from both mentor and mentoree based on mutual respect and the belief in the value of mentoring.
Mentoring is ...
- voluntary
- temporary
- oriented towards professional and personal growth
- a mutually beneficial partnership
There are many different factors that contribute to a positive mentoring experience, and all mentoring relationships are different. Having already chosen your mentor and been accepted onto the SPARK program, there four key things you need consider in making the mentoring partnership work for you.
- Setting clear guidelines and expectations from the beginning
- Creating a effective ways of communicating
- Recognising that the mentor and mentoree learn from each other
- Acting, not just talking
What is the difference between a training relationship and a mentoring relationship?
A mentoring relationship should be broader than a relationship with a teacher, a trainer or a boss. SPARK focuses on sharing knowledge, industry networks, ideas and experience.
| Mentoring Partnerships | Training relationships |
|---|---|
| Supports career development | Supports job performance |
| Based on a mutually beneficial exchange | Concerned with one-way skills transfer |
| Attention on the "big picture" | Focus on specific job or role |
| Enhance personal and professional growth | Focus on performance indicators related to the job or skill |
| Focus on effectiveness | Focus on efficiency |
The content on these pages was adapted by Youth Arts Queensland from the publication Getting Connected - Making Your Mentorship Work by Mary Ann Hunter for the Australia Council for the Arts.
To download this publication click here.
SPARK is the Australia Council's national mentoring program for young artists supported by the Dance, Theatre and Community Partnerships Sections. It is managed by Youth Arts Queensland and is part of the Australian Government's Young and Emerging Artists Initiative.
