ROLE OF MENTORS: The Mentor will play an important role in helping to guide and inspire their
Learning Associate. Mentors will share their experience, insight and best practices. They will
assist in career development and/or other areas to support Zonta knowledge and growth and
will share relevant examples based on their own experience. It is important to note that the role
of the Mentor is not to offer consultative services and solutions but rather to share resources,
experiences and ask questions to support the Learning Associate’s objectives.
Position Term: approximately one year
Training: Zonta D4 will offer an orientation program that will ensure the Mentor and Learning
Associate are clear about their role

Help Learning Associate to develop strengths and generate workable solutions in a mutually
respectful manner

Share best practices of the profession, their role and scope of duties and/or knowledge and
experience in Zonta

Mentors should monitor their Learning Associate’s goals and discuss action plans
accordingly

Promote effective and timely communication and maintain regular contact with Learning
Associate

Be willing to be the initiator in the Mentoring relationship
It is preferred that a Mentor will have at least 5 years of Zonta membership and ideally have
experience in a leadership role

Characteristics of an Ideal Mentor:

A positive and non-judgmental role model

Excellent listening, communication and interpersonal skills

Encouraging the Learning Associate to fulfill her goals

Maintaining a consistent and enthusiastic commitment to the role

Presenting information carefully without bias and providing access to different points of
view

Maintaining appropriate boundaries within the scope of the role

Asking if they can provide feedback, ideas or suggestions rather than assuming their
Learning Associate is ready and willing to hear it
Oct. 2015

Respecting their Learning Associate and guiding and supporting them through constructive
feedback

Maintaining confidentiality and integrity at all times; the Mentor does not discuss or share
information outside of the relationship
Knowing their own limitations. No one can possibly address all questions that come up and
know everything. Knowing key references, people and resources helps demonstrate the
importance of research, benchmarking and reaching out to other colleagues to gain further
knowledge and ideas.

What are Mentors agreeing to do?

Share information about their background and experiences with Learning Associate

Respond in a timely way to queries from Learning Associate

Be honest and realistic about the support that the Mentor can and cannot provide

Make referrals and/or gather resources to respond to queries they can’t answer

Assess how well the Mentoring partnership is working in conjunction with the Learning
Associate
Complete an on-line evaluation at the end of the program and at the conclusion of the
partnership

Requirements:

Mentor is a Zonta member in good standing

Must complete the WSPS Mentor/Learning Associate orientation

Mentors and Learning Associates are expected to set up their own meetings and action
plans

Sign a confidentiality agreement and maintain strict confidentiality on any information
shared between pair

Must have support from employer (if appropriate) to participate in the Mentor program
Qualifications:

Willing to participate in ongoing professional development as appropriate

Able to demonstrate a clear and solid understanding of a specific topic, subject, or area that
can assist the personal and professional growth and development of the Learning Associate

Encouraging, motivating and open to sharing experiences

Excellent communication skills
Oct. 2015