Executive Mentoring

Executive Mentoring is an extension of the Management Assistance Program that is an investment in the professional and personal development of nonprofit executive directors and other leadership. The goal in executive mentoring is to enhance the effectiveness and confidence of nonprofit leaders by pairing them with experienced advisors who offer guidance, support, and feedback for an extended period of time, usually a year.

Because ESC consultants/mentors possess a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience, they are uniquely qualified to serve as mentors. In fact, mentors served in this role many times during their professional careers. They have the capacity and desire to develop fruitful and exceptional mentoring relationships. The mentor can be a sounding board, pose questions, and help the mentee work through situations with board, staff, funding, programs, and administration and management while serving as an objective third party. 

ESC tries to match the mentee with a particular mentor based on client needs, personalities, and programs and services which the agency offers.

The Executive Mentoring agreement is normally for 12 months during which time the mentor spends approximately three or four hours monthly with the mentee. The precise amount of time of meetings are flexible and depend upon situations, needs, and schedules. 

Executive Mentoring Program Model

·        A minimum of one face-to-face meeting per month for one year (a few mentorships may be ½ year). Set times to meet are encouraged. (Mentor/Mentee)

·        Approximately three to four hours of mentoring per month. Mentor and Mentee set up Mentoring relationship with flexibility and best advantage for Mentee. (Mentor/Mentee)

·        Completion of initial Mentor/Mentee Plan  (Mentor/Mentee)

·        Completion of final reports. (Mentor/Mentee)

·        Attend one mentoring round table or training annually. (Mentor)

Additionally, the Mentor may be a link to other resources. Executive Mentors have provided helpful links in areas such as Board Development, Strategic Planning, Human Resources, Financial Analysis, etc.  In these situations, the Mentor is able to tap the needed resources of other consultants who provide service in these and other areas to complement the mentoring.  For situations that may require only an hour or so of other expertise, the mentor is usually able to bring in that consultant/resource at no additional cost to the client.