Scaling Mentorship
Building a scalable mentorship program is not what you think it is.
High-Touch Team Mentorship: A Better Approach
When people think about the scale of mentorship, they often envision technology that facilitates onboarding, training, and matching mentors with mentees. This approach aims to minimize staff time spent on administrative tasks, focusing instead on promoting the program and encouraging participation. However, this method frequently results in mediocre engagement and limited impact. The burden falls on mentors and mentees to navigate their relationship and derive value from it, with minimal community connection unless complemented by additional programming. This supplementary programming may not always align with the specific needs of mentors and mentees.
The High-Touch Team Mentorship Model
Is there a better way? Absolutely. A high-touch team mentorship program offers a more effective solution. In this model, each mentee is supported by a team of mentors, akin to having an advisory board. The program management office plays a crucial role in coordinating scheduling, onboarding, matching, and resolving any issues. This structure fosters a community among mentors, increasing their engagement and retention. Mentors learn from one another and adopt better practices, with the most active mentors volunteering in other capacities, such as judges, panelists, facilitators, or volunteers. An example of such a program is the MIT Venture Mentoring Service (VMS).
Real-Life Examples
Take the example of Chris Wright, founder of Whystle who was part of the mentorship program I ran at Innovate Charlotte. Initially struggling to navigate the business landscape, Wright joined the Innovate Charlotte Venture Mentoring Service. The mentorship program provided him with the accountability and organizational skills needed to achieve significant growth. During the pandemic, with his mentors’ guidance, Wright successfully pivoted Whystle to focus on commercial disinfection services, ultimately saving the business.
Similarly, Jake Corday joined Innovate Charlotte at a crossroads, seeking direction for his startup. The program provided a safe space for making crucial decisions, with mentors offering industry-relevant guidance and personal support. Even after graduating, Corday continues to benefit from his mentors’ counsel, emphasizing the critical role of persistence in entrepreneurial success.
Challenges and Solutions
Implementing a high-touch team mentorship program presents several challenges. Launching the program requires significant effort and deep community engagement, where technology serves a supplementary role. Effective management necessitates technology to coordinate all participants. At Traction5, we have developed a method to support programs throughout their entire lifecycle—launching, piloting, and running programs tailored to the ecosystem’s needs. Additionally, we offer a ScaleUp Grants Program for groups that meet specific criteria. The grant covers technology and consulting costs to get your program up and running.
The Power of Community-Building Mentorship
Ultimately, mentorship is a powerful tool for community building. It can extend beyond a one-on-one relationship to become a force that unites a community when executed properly.