When done well, mentoring doesn’t just help individuals, it has the power to transform entire teams, organisations, and communities. But without clear planning, strong communication, and the right people in place, even the best-intentioned programmes can lose momentum and impact.
To help you get it right, we’re sharing three powerful tips for running a mentoring programme that really works. One that delivers measurable results and creates meaningful change.
1. Recruit the right mentors (it’s more crucial than you think!)
Finding mentors isn’t just about availability, it’s about alignment. The most impactful mentors are those who are genuinely committed to the success of their mentees and the programme as a whole.
Look for people with:
A genuine interest in developing others
Strong listening skills and patience
A collaborative and open mindset
It also pays to build a diverse pool of mentors. When your programme includes people from different backgrounds, skill sets, and seniority levels, it increases the chances of meaningful matches and richer learning experiences for everyone involved.
2. Shout about the value of mentoring
To build a true culture of mentoring, you need to clearly communicate its benefits. Not just once but consistently.
Mentoring can:
Boost engagement
Improve retention
Reduce stress
Develop leadership skills
However, many potential mentors hold back because they assume it’ll be a heavy time commitment. Break that myth! Explain what’s really involved like an hour a month.
Make it easy for your team to say yes by being clear, encouraging, and supportive from the outset. And if you need help spreading the word, we’ve got your back! From ready-made comms materials to real-life success stories, we’re here to help you inspire your people.
3. Measure what matters and learn as you go
No mentoring programme should be “set and forget.” Regularly check in on how it’s tracking. Is it delivering on your original goals? Is the time and resource investment paying off?
Consider measuring:
Business impact: Are you hitting key KPIs linked to the programme?
Personal growth: Are mentors and mentees meeting their individual goals?
If you’re not seeing the results you expected, don’t panic. A small tweak in your process, structure, or communication might be all it takes to turn things around. And remember, your Customer Success Manager is always on hand to help you troubleshoot, adapt, and succeed.
Summary
A successful mentoring programme is built on the right people, strong communication, and a willingness to evolve. Nail those three elements, and you’re well on your way to creating something that truly makes a difference.
💡If you continue to monitor the success of the programme and you notice you are not hitting KPIs or making an impact, don’t give up! It may be time to reassess a single aspect of your mentoring programmes such as the content or the way that you are communicating with your mentors. Speak to your Customer Success Manager about your challenges and we will support you to ensure your programme’s success.
💬 Do you have any questions? There are two ways to get in touch:
Via live chat, which should appear in the bottom right-hand corner of your screen.
Or send us an email.