Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)Susan deGrandpré has produced a slim volume that is thick in savvy content about how organizations are strengthened by the one-to-one learning process known as mentoring. Other books on this topic make it look like mentoring is a fairly strange activity that needs layers of persuasion and logical leaps before anyone would seriously consider it. Ms. deGrandpré makes clear that mentoring is among our species most natural involvements. She made me think of ancient social groups where it is the norm for an "old pro" guiding the neophyte through the various rituals and learnings necessary achieve the fullness of mature adulthood.
Building on this familiar and deeply human way of relating, she begins by defining the roles of mentor and mentee. Next, she describes the mentoring system including the contract for learning. She then takes on the individual mentee and the "infinite combinations of characteristics and circumstances that create each person's uniqueness. (p. 43)" Using up to date research on individual differences, she enables the aspiring mentor to tailor a mentoring program to the learning and communicating styles of the mentee. She finally addresses the ever present issue of maintaining mentoring motivation, and then she applies the concepts to individuals in teams. A brief final chapter encourages the spread of the mentoring spirit into the organization.
Throughout the book, Ms. deGrandpré utilizes clear and well established models to enhance the themes she takes on and help the reader make practical applications. The "Six Building Blocks of Workplace Mentoring" create the framework for successful mentoring. Then there's the "SMART" method of goal-setting; the "Mentoring Style Preferences" rooted in the Jungian theory of types;the "core learning methods"; and the GOLD process for giving direct feedback. The models are presented succinctly, practically, and they are accompanied by specific practice exercises to reinforce learning.
The book is fast-paced. The writing style is so vivid and intimate that you look up expecting to see Ms. deGrandpré in the chair next to you. Then you realize you have to settle for the book, which really is the next best thing!
In fact, the only criticism I have about the volume is that it had to end.
Click Here to see more reviews about: Common-Sense Workplace Mentoring: A do-it-yourself system for strengthening your business . . . one person at a time
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