MENTOR INFORMATION

1. What is a mentee?

A mentee is an individual who wants to be proactive in their professional career development. A mentee could be a new employee who needs to learn about the organizational culture and gain insights to the nuances of the workplace from a more experienced person. This helps the mentee to succeed and acclimate more quickly in the workplace.

A mentee could also be an individual seeking professional guidance and coaching to reach one or more career goals. For example, you may be a new supervisor needing to improve skills in performance feedback to employees. You may be able to seek guidance from a more experienced supervisor.

A mentee wishes to learn from the experiences or different perspectives of another.

2. What is a mentor?

A mentor is an individual who is willing to invest their time, effort and share their knowledge by entering into a relationship with another person seeking a learning experience. A mentor can assist individuals with career development by helping a mentee clarify career goals and carry out a plan to reach those goals or by sharing the insights and knowledge they have gained through their own experiences.

The mentor might have a variety of roles that includes coaching, teaching, guiding, advising, or motivating people to achieve their goals.

A mentor is someone to whom a mentee can express his or her fears, frustrations and goals, without fear of reprisal.

3. Why participate in this program as a mentee?

There are many benefits to employees who participate, including: developing new skills, enhancing existing skills, accelerating learning, support during periods of change and assistance with developing career paths.

Other benefits include increased networks and insight into the organization's culture.

4. Why participate in this program as a mentor?

There are many benefits to being a mentor. Some of the benefits identified by participants in the program include self-development and satisfaction that comes from assisting others with their development and seeing employees grow.

Mentors benefit by recognizing and increasing their skills in leadership and coaching. Through their experience, the mentor also expands their contacts and gains a broader perspective of the organization.

5. Is my information kept confidential?

Yes. Information exhanged between the mentor and mentee will be kept confidential.

6. How do I deal with confidentiality when it pertains to an external mentor?

If you choose a mentor from outside the organization be sure to discuss confidentiality issues with your mentor and go over the mentor application with them. Print off a copy for your mentor and have them fill it out, sign it and mail it to the Public Service Commission.

PROGRAM INFORMATION

1. Is the program voluntary?

Yes, it is an employee’s choice to participate in the program pending supervisor's approval.

2. Who can participate in the program?

The program is open to all employees of the P.E.I. government and recent retirees.  Other individuals may participate as mentors, but should be aware that any time spent mentoring is voluntary.

3. What is a mentor project?

A mentor project is a learning agreement a mentee establishes which outlines the skills and goals the mentee wants to focus on with a mentor. Each project should focus on a few specific skills. Mentees can have multiple projects, each with a different mentor.

4. Is there a program coordinator or manager?

The P.E.I. Public Service Commission is coordinating the program and can be reached at mentorprogram@gov.pe.ca.

5. How can I keep track of the program?

You can use the optional tools found on the mentor program website and you can also keep a personal journal of your progress.

6. Can I be both a mentor and a mentee?

Yes.  You can be mentored while at the same time mentoring someone else. See 22 on how to sign up as both.

7. Will the person who mentors me be from my own department?

You can decide what criteria you wish to choose to select a mentor. This could include location, department, competencies, and many others. Just be aware that the more you limit your search for a mentor, the fewer matches you may find. 

8. Will the person who mentors me hold a more senior position?

Not necessarily.  The program matches you up with individuals who have experience and expertise in a certain area.  This may not always be a more senior person.  However, if it is important to you to be mentored by someone who is more senior, you can select this option as one of the criteria that is important for you finding a match.

9. Does my mentor have to be from the same city or location?

You can be mentored by someone from anywhere in the province.  If it is important to you to be mentored by someone in the same geographic location, you can select this as one of the criteria that is important for you finding a match.

10. Will I be reimbursed for any expenses incurred?

Time away from work along with any expenses are subject to the approval of your supervisor and are the responsibility of your department.

11. What if my mentor and I just don’t get along?

Prior to meeting with your partner, the mentee can fill out and print the Mentee Self Assesment Forms found under the optional tools on the left, to discuss with the mentor at their first meeting.  This discussion helps clarify the expectations about the goals of the mentor partnership and also assists with ensuring its success.  However, if you are in a mentor relationship that isn’t going well, contact mentorprogram@gov.pe.ca for advice. 

12. How much time will this take?

Upon your supervisor's approval, typically 2 to 5 hours per month is recommended for a successful mentor relationship. The length of time that a mentor/mentee relationship will depend on the mentee’s goals, but the amount of time can vary from one month to 6 months to a year on average.

13. How is this linked to my professional development or work related goals?

You are encouraged to discuss your participation in the program and your progress with your supervisor.  However, the level of detail you provide is up to you.  As you complete your mentor activities and enhance your competencies you may wish to print your mentor project and bring a copy along with you for discussion with your supervisor.

14.  If I am a mentor, is there a recommendation on how many mentor relationships I should participate in at one time?

In the early stages of the program, the recommendation is not more than 1 or 2 at a time.

15. Can retired employees or individuals from the community be a mentor?

Absolutely.  If you know of a retiree or external persons, or are planning on retiring yourself and may be interested in participating, please email mentorprogram@gov.pe.ca.

16. Is training provided?

There will be a training program for the participants (mentors and mentees) of the program. Details will be forwared to you when you sign up for the program.

17. How can I sign up as a mentor and a mentee?

Go to the Mentor signup page or the Mentee sign up page, complete the form and submit.

18. How do I end a mentor relationship?

When your mentor/mentee relationship has come to an end, the mentee can fill out the Concluding a Mentor Relationship form. If any issue's arise and either the mentor or mentee wishes to conclude the relationship early they can contact the mentor program co-ordinator at mentorprogram@gov.pe.ca.