1. Finding a Mentor &Reverse Mentoring Mary E. Cummings, NASA

2. Objectives Identify various approaches to mentoring, specifically Reverse Mentoring Discuss how to obtain a mentor and the stages of mentoring Share good and bad mentoring experiences

3. Types of Mentoring Formal Traditional/One-on-one Peer Group Informal Situational/Flash mentoring E-Mentoring Reverse

4. Reverse Mentoring "Its a situation where the old fogies in an organization realize that by the time you're in your forties and fifties, you're not in touch with the future the same way the young twenty-something's. They come with fresh eyes, open minds, and instant links to the technology of our future". Alan Webber, co-founder of Fast Company on reverse mentoring, 2001 Reverse Mentoring can be: Unintentional/unknowingly Intentional/strategic Formal or informal

5. Reverse Mentoring (con’t) Reverse Mentoring provides Technology education Address generational differences Capitalize on new ideas (challenge ‘the way it’s always been done’ mentality) Be Careful….. Not everyone is open or comfortable as a mentee Reverse Mentor should be patient, don’t assume, and stick to topic

6. How to Obtain a Mentor First, have an idea about your goals Then, search for a mentor who can help you accomplish your goals by considering the following: Where has mentor been, where are they going Mentor reputation Your tendencies and preferences vs. potential mentors’ (personality, career path, communication styles) Generational differences Remember, to always be looking for a mentor and that you may be watched as a potential mentee

7. 7 Generational Differences Gen Y (1980-2000) Baby Boomers (1946-1964) Gen X (1965-1979) Veterans (1922-1945)

8. Stages of Mentoring Relationships Getting Acquainted Setting goals/expectations (possible ending) Achieving goals Ending the relationship

9. Mentoring Roles Mentor Is… Teacher Advisor Champion Mentor Is NOT… Coach Supervisor Counselor/therapist Romantic interest Mentee Is… Learner Initiator Listener Mentee is NOT… ‘Extra’ employee Notch on a belt Romantic interest

10. How to be a Smart Mentee Take initiative- ask someone to be your mentor! Call, face to face, set an appointment Actively listen Read between the lines Build a network Be positive, no excessive venting GRATITUDE (ex. Handwritten thank you note)

11. Mentoring Gone Bad Neglect/Fizzle out; “I’m too busy”- most common reason for unsuccessful relationship Oil & water (although some diversity can add value) Manipulation Mentee dependence (sometimes Mentor dependence) Jealousy -particularly when mentee promoted

12. Mentoring Done Well Confidentiality Trust Respect (of individual and time) Structure where goals are set Realistic expectations Usually lasts 6 months-year Have more than one Recruit carefully Self-reflection

13. Lasagna Advice

14. Group Discussion/Q&A What is appropriate and not appropriate to discuss in a mentoring session? Examples of good and bad mentoring experiences

15. Contact info Mary E. Cummings, NASA-Goddard mary.e.cummings@nasa.gov (301) 614-6940