Trust, listening and open communication drive mentoring success

2 June
Attendees participate in the speed mentoring session at veski’s third inspiring women PD & networking event
Attendees participate in the speed mentoring session at veski’s third inspiring women PD & networking event

Mentoring experts have told veski’s third inspiring women PD & networking event that trust, listening and open communication are key to successful mentoring relationships.

Leading the discussion on the topic of “cultivating a network of mentors and maximising the relationships” was veski board member Dr Jane Ryan. She was joined by Dr Megan Baldwin, Circadian Technologies; Dr Seanna Davidson, Monash University; Ms Dominique Fisher, CareerLounge; Mr David Gould, Committee for Melbourne and Professor Marilys Guillemin, University of Melbourne.

With fresh insights from the panel, the 150 attendees from a diverse range of sectors were then given the opportunity to further develop their new skills in unique sessions of speed mentoring, slow networking and mentoring models.

Positive feedback and interaction began early and continued throughout the afternoon with a high level of audience participation through social media and live polling. By being able to interact virtually and instantly with their peers, attendees felt comfortable in engaging in the interactive sessions.  

During the panel, the audience had the chance to provide feedback on their own experience with a mentoring relationship, and vote on the questions they would most like answered. 

Feedback showed that people are continuously looking for new ways to build lasting connections with their peers and build their own professional development.

The speed mentoring, slow networking and mentoring model sessions provided attendees with different perspectives on mentoring, and the buzz in the room indicated they were a great success.

Key highlights from the day were:

  • The panel revealed that mentoring is based on strong leadership, a symbiotic relationship with mutual respect and a real commitment to understanding each person in the relationship.
  •  “Mentoring don’ts for mentees: don’t be anxious meeting a mentor; don’t use mentors to pave the way for your career; and don’t use the time for coffee.”
  •  Marilys Guillemin: Three types of listening integral in a successful mentoring relationship "Deep listening, Two way listening and reflective listening" 
  •  Seanna Davidson: Be strategic with mentoring sessions. They're busy people so: prepare questions, turn up on time & thank them. 
  •  David Gould: “What do you want from the relationship? It helps to choose the right mentor” and "Trust within the mentor relationship is very important" 
  •  Dominique Fisher: "You have many mentors in your career and life"
  •  Megan Baldwin: A good mentor is engaged in what matters to you. There's a level of trust, guidance and communication.
  •  Megan Baldwin: "Mentors don't direct, they guide"
  •  Dominique Fischer: Mentoring is about helping people find their own way and make their own decisions. 

veski is looking forward to the fourth chapter in the inspiring women series which will focus on ‘marketing yourself and self promotion’. This next topic was identified in the first lecture as a high topic of interest.

The next event will be held on Monday, 14 September 2015.

veski is supporting career progression of Victorian women through the provision of resources, information and opportunities; partnerships with government, industry, community and academia; and professional development and networking opportunities.

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