What is mentoring? Mentoring is an opportunity for a GP to reflect on an issue(s) and consider their options for action. The agenda for the mentoring session is set at the beginning by the mentee. The mentor’s role is to ask helpful reflective questions, which encourage the mentee to be at their most resourceful in generating ideas and solutions. A mentor does not offer suggestions, solutions or counselling, but helps the mentee to clarify in their own mind what the issue is and enables them to set a goal. When the goal is not clear, a mentor can use various tools to help clarify the goal. Mentoring is helpful for personal and professional development. What are the benefits of mentoring? This is a confidential springboard to help you confidentially work through any challenges or opportunities that you are facing on your journey as a GP. It is applicable for anytime in your career. Some possible challenges include: • • • • • • • •
Work life balance Dealing with a complaint Making a mistake Looking at changing roles – practice ownership, retirement, life as a locum Balancing children and working Experiencing discrimination / workplace bullying Career development / opportunities Integrating into NZ healthcare as an International Medical Graduate
Hence a mentee is a GP who is looking for support in their career development and or for personal challenges related to life as a GP. As MEl states MPS 6 sessions and PHO EAP as well. Mentoring can also be used as the first in a series of tools and may lead to professional supervision, specific coaching in areas as well as counselling.