Page 21 - Voices 6.2017

Mentoring For Success

by Lyle Schellenberg, ACG, ALB,
Division B Director-Elect

Does your club have a formal mentoring plan? By “formal” I mean one
that is written and can be given to the mentor to help them understand
their role. If it is written rather than carved in stone, you can update it
very easily as new thoughts come to mind or in cases where the process
changes (as they will as the new Pathways program rolls out). Mentoring is much more than just
helping the new member or existing member with three speeches. Below is the Bootstrappers
Mentor Checklist. Feel free to modify as you see fit. Email me at lyleschell@comcast.net if you
would like me to email you the Word document or download the pdf file here.

The Mentor Role

Toastmasters Mentor Checklist
WHAT - A Toastmasters Mentor is an  Understand why the mentee joined Toastmasters and the areas he/she
experienced club member who assists newer wishes to improve.
members in understanding the TMI programs  Explain the purpose and mechanics of the two Toastmaster Manuals,
and meeting their goals. The Mentor is a  1) Competent Communicator Manual outlining 10 speeches, and
role model, coach and confidante who offers  2) Competent Leadership Manual.
knowledge, insight, perspective and wisdom
based on their experience.  Discuss the Icebreaker speech and possible topics/ areas to discuss.
 Explain the award tracks and requirements, CC, AC, CL, AL and DTM.
WHY - The satisfaction of its members is based  Explain that one can use multiple manuals at the same time.
on the ultimate health, growth and stability of Explain that one can start a 2nd CL to record roles even though the 1st
a club. Having a formal mentor program helps  CL is not totally completed. This allows credit for all club roles met.
the club and its members by:  Explain the various meeting roles and how to sign up for them.
1. Combating fear of the unknown  Discuss the Club Offi cer positions and elections.
2. Providing support and encouragement Confi rm that the new member has the link to the club website and
3. Adding a personal touch  Facebook they understand how to sign up for access.
4. Clarifying goals and objectives  Promote the Toastmaster website and extra materials available.
 Discuss Speech Contests, Club, Area, Division, District, etc.
HOW - The mentor and mentee should have
an initial meeting to discuss the mentee’s  Promote District Conferences and TLI training events.
reasons for joining Toastmasters and his/her  Outline the TI organization and structure, i.e. Area, Division, District 7,
Region 2 and International.
communication and leadership goals. Once they
agree upon the best method of communicating,
the mentor should be available for at least
15 minutes a week (as needed) to answer any
questions or provide feedback and assistance The best way a mentor can prepare
on speeches and any other Toastmaster role. another leader is to expose him
Lyle Schellenberg joined Toastmasters in 2011. He
is currently serving Bootstrappers as club president. or her to other great people.
Additionally, he is serving as the 2016-17 Division John C. Maxwell
C Director and is the incoming 2017-18 Division B
Director.

VOLUME 3 ISSUE 12 JUNE, 2017 21