Purpose

This competition entry details Open Mentoring, a performance-centered mentoring program designed to electronically facilitate mentoring relationships. Created by Triple Creek Associates, Open Mentoring walks users through a three-step process that lets them establish, monitor and close mentoring relationships. The integrated database supporting Open Mentoring enables users to create mentoring agreements, negotiate and refine them, measure progress against the agreements, and conclude the relationship when the agreed upon time frame comes to an end. All of these factors empower mentees to own and act upon their developmental needs.

Performance Issues Addressed

Open Mentoring addresses several key business performance issues.

• Leadership Development
  Helps performers develop leadership skills through mentoring relationships.
  
  
• Employee Productivity
  Helps performers increase their productivity and reduce errors by targeting and addressing their developmental needs.
  
  
• Employee Retention
  Increases performers' job satisfaction through knowledge and skill transfer.
  
  
• Administrative Tasks
  Reduces the time needed for administrative tasks, such as matching mentees and mentors, paperwork associated with mentoring agreements, and record keeping connected with monitoring and assessing mentoring relationships.
  
  
• Dispersed Workforce
  Supports companies with globally dispersed employees by facilitating distance-mentoring relationships, which result in more stabilized work cultures.
  
  
• Knowledge Management
  Leverages existing and growing knowledge within corporations and creates a universal location from which to access this knowledge.