CIO Executive Council —

Group mentoring is a key component of the CIO Executive Council's Pathways leadership development program. In contrast to a more traditional one-on-one relationship, the group environment provides participants a unique, ongoing opportunity to tap the wisdom of a seasoned CIO, as well as to network with small groups of their peers. Most CIOs, however, are accustomed to that more traditional connection—either through prior experience as mentors or as former protégés themselves. A group environment creates a different dynamic and requires different management.

The basic goals for group mentoring are the same as in any mentoring relationship, and the guidance provides a reference about what mentoring is and is not. Some of the top advice from the Pathways mentors for handling a group relationship includes anticipating the flow of conversation among many people and responding to issues brought up during discussion that weren't on the original agenda. In a group setting, it's about getting the most out of everyone in order to share as much diverse experience as possible.

As one mentor suggests, "During the first call, it is helpful to go around and have each mentee talk about a whole list of things, such as what they like to do outside of work. It makes everyone more human to each other and reminds each participant that they are all complex people with many interests and experiences."

To download the tool, go to council.cio.com/DL0610.