It seems to contradict logic!
It runs against expectations!
It appears far less than ideal!
With the odds stacked against it ... why is it that "Virtual Mentoring" works, or does it?
What's been your experience with Mentoring relationships that take place when greater distances separate the mentoring partners?
- Can this type of mentorship work?
- What would be the greatest challenge the participants would have to overcome?
- Are there tips or suggestions you'd recommend to improve and strengthen these mentoring relationships?
Let us know your thoughts and let's share your helpful insights with our readers in the future.
NOW, here are some great comments that we've collected from one of our Mentoring Experts, which we gratefully acknowledge and appreciate. Thank you very much for your words of wisdom and for sharing what you've gained!
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| David Clutterbuck |
In this post, he examines the advantages and disadvantages involved in
"Mentoring via E-Mail" ...
Virtual mentoring covers three main approaches: mentoring by email, telephone and Skype/ teleconference.
Each has both disadvantages and advantages compared to face-to-face mentoring.
Some of the ADVANTAGES of E-mail mentoring are:
- It provides built-in reflection time, so mentors have more time to think about good questions and mentees have more time to consider answers
- Greater reflection time also generates higher creativity
- It allows mentors to see patterns of expression and language, which reveal issues that may be missed in vocal exchange
- There is a record of each conversation, so it’s possible to go back to what has been said in previous mentoring conversations
- People tend to be more open and less aware of power differentials in e-mail based learning exchanges
- Mentoring can happen at the time it is most needed, rather than having to wait for a scheduled meeting
- Where appropriate, an email conversation can be broken into several small chunks, spread over a day or more – so not creating a significant disruption to either party’s day
- Mentor and mentee can be in different time zones, yet hold an (asynchronous) conversation at times convenient to them.
Some of the DISADVANTAGES of E-mail mentoring are:
- There can be a loss of spontaneity
- The “colour” of spoken conversation (tone, emphasis, emotion etc) is less obvious – so it is easier to misinterpret what has been said
- People tend to read email-based statements as more critical than intended
- E-mail correspondence may not be fully confidential, especially if it goes through a company mail system.
Coaching and Mentoring International Ltd
www.coachingandmentoringinternational.org
We would be very pleased to have you add your comments to this post. What are your thoughts, suggestions and insights to help others in long-distance Mentoring Relationships? We'd love to hear from you as you share your Mentoring experiences.
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