Mentoring has become a cornerstone of people development strategies, and for good reason. When designed well, mentoring programmes spark growth, build networks, and strengthen organisational culture.
No two mentoring programmes are identical. Every organisation is different, with different people, different challenges, and different goals. Therefore, each mentoring programme must have a clearly defined purpose and design based on what the organisation seeks to achieve with the programme and the current business context.
Start with Strategy: What is the Purpose?
All mentoring programmes bring people together to form mutually beneficial relationships in which they can learn and grow. However, a successful mentoring programme is more than just matching people and hoping for the best. It requires a clearly defined purpose and a structured framework.
In the Mentor+ approach, we define mentoring as a mutual learning alliance, one that enables both mentor and mentee to grow, reflect, and contribute to the organisation’s broader goals. A successful mentoring programme requires:
- A strategic purpose linked to the business agenda.
- A clear description of the potential outcome for the participants.
- A structured framework within which the mentoring will take place.
Different Ways to Structure a Mentoring Programme
The Classic Mentoring Programme – A well-defined programme with a clear beginning and end, where a number of mentor/mentee-pairs engage in a structured journey. Includes training, learning events, and milestones.
A Mentor Network – A more flexible model where a number of trained mentors are available “on-demand” and matched with mentees as needed. Great for ongoing, just-in-time development and for onboarding of new employees/leaders.
Matching Models: One or Many
One-to-One Mentoring
This is most traditional format and still one of the most powerful, where a less experienced person is matched with a more senior and experienced person. Great for building strong, personal learning relationships that often last beyond the programme itself.
Reverse Mentoring
Younger or junior employees will mentor senior persons, often to share insights into technology, culture, and diversity. A great tool for bridging knowledge gaps and foster diversity.
Peer Mentoring
People at similar levels in the organisation support each other in mutual learning partnership. Useful when mentor resources are limited or when you wish to break down silos.
Group Mentoring
One or more mentors are matched with a group of mentees, who meet as a group and learn together. Ideal when there are fewer mentors available or when the focus is on teamwork, shared learning, and inclusion.
Generational Mentoring
This approach matches people across different generations to foster mutual understanding, knowledge transfer, and innovation. A great tool for bridging generational and cultural gaps.
Other Design Dimensions to Consider
Internal vs. Open vs. Cross-Mentoring
- Internal programmes: Mentors and mentees are matched within the same organisation.
- Open programme: Mentors and mentees from different organisations are matched. This is often facilitated by a professional network or membership organisation.
- Cross-mentoring: Several companies join forces, matching mentors and mentees across organisations to share knowledge and perspective.
Separate vs. Integrated
- Separate programme: A standalone mentoring programme with its own events and learning activities.
- Integrated programme: Mentoring is included within other development programmes, such as leadership academies, talent development initiatives or graduate schemes.
In-person, Online or Hybrid?
International and global organisations are increasingly turning towards fully virtual mentoring programmes where all training and learning events and mentor/mentee meetings are virtual as well. However, if at all possible, we still recommend combining virtual with physical events to facilitate more networking among all the participants in the mentoring programme.
There are many “right solutions” to designing a mentoring programme. You need to find a design that will fit your people, your goals, and your culture.
Begin by clarifying the purpose. Then choose the format and structure that will best support your purpose. And always remember: a well-designed mentoring programme not only develops individuals but also drives the entire organisation forward.
