PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The Leadership Mentoring Program is a structured mentorship opportunity that supports the development and growth of a self-identified SMART goal identified by the mentee within any of 5 leadership skills outlined in the Algonquin College Leadership Requirements Model. Reflective questioning, open dialogue, coaching strategies, guided reflection, and focused learning conversations are key components of the program.
The guiding principles of the program include: a learning partnership based on mutual respect, trust and freedom of expression; a focus on the further development of leadership strengths through practice and reflection of a personal goal; and a transformational and relational approach to learning. The program is not connected to the performance management system and does not involve mentees working with mentors who are in a supervisory role.
WHO SHOULD ATTEND
As a Mentee: All employees, no experience required!
NOTE: Due to an overwhelming (and much appreciated) interest from colleagues expressing an interest to be involved in the Leadership Mentoring Program as a mentee in 2024-2025, we have had to close the application process ahead of the deadline. Thank you for your understanding.
As a Mentor: Members of the AC Executive Team (ACET) and AC Leadership Team (ACLT), graduates of ALEI 3 and graduates of the Leadership Mentoring Program. NO experience required!
The Leadership Mentoring program will save 30% of the Mentee seats for Black, Indigenous and Employees of Colour interested in becoming a Mentee. If you are interested in applying, please check out the information on this page or contact Rebecca Volk at volkr@algonquincollege.com.
PROGRAM OF STUDY
Mentorship is a self-directed learning opportunity that will allow you to integrate learning into lived experiences in the workplace and give you the opportunity to be part of a mentoring learning network. The mentor/mentee partnership is one based on reciprocity. It is not a “hierarchical” relationship and both mentor and mentee will learn throughout the partnership.
An important learning component of the program is the Peer Learning sessions which are synchronous, multimodal sessions designed to:
- learn more about effective mentorship and gain further mentoring skills;
- share knowledge, expertise and ideas within a large group supported by the mentorship coordinator;
- develop effective practice using examples and discussion;
- develop a “network” of mentors and mentees to support each other throughout the mentoring cycle.
PROGRAM OUTCOMES
Upon completion of this program, you will have been given the opportunity to:
- understand what it takes to make mentorship a successful learning model for leadership development;
- practice the skills and techniques to be a successful mentor/mentee;
- set and achieve personal learning goals in a supportive learning environment;
- increase your networks of communication and collaboration;
- contribute to an increased culture of mentorship throughout the organization;
- further develop within any of the 5 leadership skills as outlined in the Algonquin Leadership Requirements Model;
- practice leadership strategies with support from a mentor/mentee; and
- reflect upon and demonstrate the application of new learning.
REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESSFUL COMPLETION OF THE PROGRAM
Successful completion of the program requires:
- the dedication of 2.5 hours a month to the mentor/mentee partnership;
- attendance and participation in all 7 scheduled Peer Learning Sessions;
- the completion of a Final Reflection and Program Effectiveness Survey.
A Certificate of Completion will be provided to all participants who successfully meet the requirements of the program.
For more information about the program and for testimonials from previous participants, please click on the each of the items below.