Mentoring is fundamental to the integration of young lawyers into a firm. Mentoring should include skills development as well as career navigation. Research demonstrates that when individuals feel connected to a mentor, they are less likely to leave the firm. In addition, they are more productive, enjoy greater job satisfaction, and experience decreased absenteeism.
An additional benefit to mentoring is the positive effect is has on the mentors. Research demonstrates that mentoring enhances job satisfaction, increases self-esteem and actually reduces stress.
Unfortunately, many attorneys are not skilled at mentoring. They may not have had a mentor. Many experienced getting thrown into the water to sink or swim. And, it is common to duplicate the behavior they experienced as an associate. Add a busy schedule, and a lack of the required communication skills, and mentoring can be difficult to implement.
At Kohn Communications, we provide training for mentors to effectively implement a mentoring program. We walk mentors through the process of initiating the relationship, provide a variety of suggestions for on-going conversations, and offer solutions to obstacles as they occur.
The technique we use for training is known as executive coaching. We provide brief, monthly consultations via telephone during which, we identify issues that the mentor needs to discuss; we educate, and we negotiate tasks that the mentor agrees to implement in the subsequent month. This approach provides on-going support in the specific areas where the mentor needs assistance. If you would like more information on executive coaching, please visit our executive coaching page.
The coaching relationship is month-to-month and can be cancelled at any time. And, as with all of our coaching services, satisfaction is unconditionally guaranteed. If a client is not satisfied with a coaching session, there is no charge.
We look forward to helping you with your mentoring. Please call us with your questions.
