Human Resources

Informal Mentoring

• I am not participating in the County's formal mentoring program. Can I still be a mentor or mentee?
  Yes! The County's formal mentoring program does not preclude the informal, spontaneous pairing of mentors and mentees within our organization. Informal mentoring relationships have always existed within Miami-Dade County government. Informal mentoring is recognized and encouraged as a great tool for employee development and growth.
  
  
• I am in the County's formal mentoring program. Can I also participate in informal mentoring?
  Yes. Mentoring program participants can also have informal mentors and mentees.
  
  
• What are the differences between informal mentoring and the County's formal mentoring program?
  The following chart outlines the differences:

• What are some tips for selecting and approaching a potential mentor?

Be sure to do your homework. You should be able to clearly identify why you are seeking an informal mentoring arrangement. Is it to build your technical skills? Increase your knowledge about a specific department or field? Improve your communication skills? Assist you with networking opportunities?

Once you know exactly what you seek to accomplish through an informal mentorship, you can begin the search to find your mentor. Do you have a specific person in mind? If not, where might you find a mentor with the expertise you are seeking? In which department or field would they be? At what level would they serve? Would a person with the qualities you are seeking only come from the County ranks? Have you considered a retiree? Ask your supervisor and other people you trust for suggestions. Please note that mentor-mentee arrangements within the same department are generally discouraged because of the perceptions of favoritism that can sometimes result.

Although you might be a little nervous about approaching a potential mentor, you should know that if you are prepared and professional, it will almost always be a very positive experience. Potential mentors are generally flattered that they are being held in such high regard.

It is almost always best to meet face-to-face when asking an individual to serve as your mentor. If you are being referred by a third party and you don't know the potential mentor personally, it may be helpful if the referring party makes an initial phone call to the potential mentor on your behalf. You might even consider a request for a meeting via email and include a link to this web page to help explain your motivation.

Think positive, and go into your meeting with the expectation that the individual will agree to serve as your informal mentor. If he or she cannot assume that role, don't be discouraged. Mentoring can be time consuming, and some potential mentors may be too busy or committed to other mentees. Even if the potential mentor declines, use the meeting as an opportunity to start a friendship and to ask if he or she can suggest other potential mentors for you. When you are prepared, professional, and maintain a positive attitude, you will find an appropriate informal mentor within a short period of time.