Speed Mentoring and Follow-on Coaching

About the Program

Category: Personnel Management, Employment and Training (Best in Category)

Year: 2021

To address a need for a cost-effective mentoring program that was not overly burdensome, Fairfield County implemented a speed mentoring program. Mentors and mentees were provided instruction and lists of sample questions to support short, lively conversations with mentees taking turns with mentors. The group exchanged contact information and followed up with one another throughout the year. Based on a pattern of communication during the pandemic, a follow-on coaching tool was prepared to help participants obtain communication skills that honored diversity of opinions. With 104 participants in the program, employees indicated they felt engaged in the program and obtained new skills or answers to questions. Many reported how the felt encouraged during a time of stressful time based on connections they made during the speed mentoring program. The in-person aspects of the program will continue once the pandemic subsides.