ASO Mentoring Program - Guide for Mentees

MENTORING CODE OF CONDUCT

The mentoring relationship is a powerful development experience that is aimed at the professional support and advancement of the mentee but it is a relationship likely to have personal and professional benefits for both mentor and mentee

The ASO is committed to supporting recent orthodontic graduates through enabling mentors who support their selected mentees through this program

In participating in the ASO Mentoring Program, Mentor and Mentee agree to abide by the following code of conduct:

Both the mentor and mentee have a responsibility to invest their time, skills and experience into the partnership.

Mentors and mentees will respect each other’s time and other responsibilities, ensuring they do not impose beyond what is reasonable.

Mentors and mentees will participate professionally, in good faith, and keep confidential all discussions they have Further, both mentors and mentees agree that as part of the mentoring relationship they may acquire confidential information about the other party or their business(es) and they will maintain the confidentiality of this information

The mentor may take many roles: being a role model, sounding board, helping build networks and career support, sometimes simply being there to listen and challenge The mentor will do their best to respond to the mentee’s developmental needs and challenges.

MENTORING CODE OF CONDUCT (CONT.)

Mentors must be aware of the many challenges new orthodontists face when starting their profession. Identifying when a mentee needs help which is beyond the expertise of the mentor is a critical skill for a mentor

Feedback from the mentee on how the relationship is working for them and what could be done to improve it, is an important part of the relationship’s development

Both mentor and mentee volunteer their time, energy and expertise Either party may request to dissolve the relationship if they feel it is not working for them However, they have a responsibility to discuss options to improve their relationship before deciding on this step The mentor agrees to encourage the mentee to develop and maintain positive attitudes toward their professional life and career planning.

The mentor is encouraged to suggest options and to empower the mentee rather than give directed advice or single solutions. Listening is an important skill for a mentor

A mentor should be prepared to listen to the mentee’s views and avoid the natural urge to look for quick solutions.

Mentor and mentee must be open and truthful to each other about the relationship itself, reviewing from time to time how it might be made more effective. Mentors and mentees are encouraged to discuss any issues with the ASO Mentoring Program contact

Mentors and mentees must be careful in their mentoring discussions not to denigrate other orthodontists, businesses or third parties

Mentor and mentee jointly share responsibility for the smooth winding down of the relationship after the program has ended However, although the mentor/mentee relationship is for a set period, many mentors and mentees agree to continue to stay in touch for a range of beneficial reasons

Both parties agree to abide by this Code of Conduct.

"I wish to thank you for arranging the mentor program and for setting me up with an awesome mentor. I learnt a lot from my mentor and have implemented a number of the things he discussed with me into my clinic. We got along very well and I found it extremely useful."

A GUIDE FOR MENTEES

AIMS OF THE PROGRAM

To facilitate supportive one on one mentoring relationships across the ASO in which more experienced orthodontists share advice, knowledge and experiences with less experienced members in a professional and supportive guided relationship.

To assist mentee participants in building a professional network with their peers and more experienced orthodontists for their own professional development purposes.

A mentor should inspire, encourage and support you, and contribute to your professional and personal development They assist you to strengthen and build your network and gain skills and confidence necessary to excel

WHAT DOES A MENTOR PROVIDE?

An opportunity to discuss your career goals and aspirations with a more experienced orthodontist

An opportunity to reflect on professional challenges and achievements

Professional development via problem solving and constructive guidance

Increased skill and confidence Skills to improve on your own personal performance / development / technical skills.

MENTEES SHOULD

Take

proactive role in shaping the relationship

setting up meetings or calls;

to talk through issues/situations/ questions, giving your

heads up about any specific topics

would like to

MENTEES SHOULD NOT

Blame

Be

and honest with your mentor about your challenges

Understand what you want from the mentoring relationship and communicate your goals and aspirations to your mentor

the personal and professional relationship with your

Set

time for the mentoring process and keep all

with

Respond in

timely manner to

feedback. Respond to emails from your

at most two days after

Keep

that

"I have to say that I got a lot out of this mentoring programme. I look forward to catching up with [my mentor] each time, as I always learn a lot from him. It's more than just the clinical tips and ideas on how to run a successful business, I also learnt a lot from him about how to give back to the profession itself, and how to serve our community better."

Q&A FOR MENTEES

How does the program work?

It will run for 12 months

It is a one on one style program where you will be matched with a suitable mentor

You will receive resources and support from the ASO along the way to help guide you in your role as a mentee This will help to ensure you get the most out of the program and your relationship with your mentor

The program is open to mentees who are recent graduates (1 to 5 years out) and mentors who have more than 6 years of experience as a practising orthodontist

Once the ASO has identified an appropriate mentor for you, we will contact you with the details of your mentor and provide an introduction to kick things off.

How will I benefit?

Feedback from previous mentees is overwhelmingly positive They say that they developed excellent relationships with their mentors who provided invaluable support and advice on a range of issues including:

career paths and goals professional challenges and learnings building a practice finding a job handling patients technical information managing practice relationships.

Can I reject my mentor?

You are expected to commit to at least one call (Zoom/FaceTime etc.) per month, plus some additional personal preparation and thinking time As the mentee, you are responsible for driving the relationship i.e. set up meetings, articulate what you want/need from your mentor

Yes. If there is any reason why you do not want to work with the person offered then we will attempt to re pair you, however be aware that there may not be enough mentors in the program so you may miss out this year We do ask that unless there are real issues that pairs try and develop a relationship and give it a go

After you complete the application form you will be matched with a mentor based on your answers. Mentors and mentees are generally matched across States/Territories to ensure the best match and ensure no competition between pairs

If things are not progressing as expected, first we advise that you let your mentor know about your concerns and see if they can be resolved. If not please contact Juanita Ward Harvey ASO Communications Manager on communications@aso org au who will try to resolve the situation in a positive and satisfactory manner

What is required of me?

How will I be allocated a mentor?

If the relationship is not going well or I have concerns, what should I do?

10 TIPS FOR OVERCOMING COMMON MENTORING HURDLES

I’m not sure what we should or what is appropriate to talk about

It is important that you both understand what you want to get out of this relationship and what you ’ re both comfortable to discuss Have you already talked about your goals and objectives? Be sure to have that conversation early because it will guide what and how you discuss things.

We seem too different

The ASO has matched you based on your preferences and needs You both have something to offer in this relationship so take time to get to know each other and give the relationship a chance to succeed.

We are struggling to make time for each other

We ask that mentees drive the program, which means that mentees must set up meetings and put time and effort into thinking about what they want to get out of each monthly meeting. If your mentor doesn’t get back to you, follow up. If you continue to experience issues with making contact, please advise the ASO

My mentor won’t respond to my meeting requests

Have you only attempted to contact your mentor once? Try to get in touch a few times and if you are still not getting a response, please contact the ASO and we will be able to assist

Our first few chats have been awkward and I’m not sure I want to continue

It is important that you give the relationship a good go and invest in developing a connection Are you both clear on your goals for the program? Be prepared prior to your meetings, mentees should write down discussion points to guide the conversation At the end of each meeting, you might also talk about what you want to discuss during your next meeting, so you are both prepared.

The program is finishing, but I’m not ready to end the relationship

The ASO mentoring program runs for 12 months. However, whether or not your mentor/mentee relationship continues after the program is entirely up to the pair It’s not uncommon for the relationship to continue in some form after the program finishes. As the end of the program draws near, have a conversation about whether you would like to remain in contact and how to stay connected

GET IN TOUCH

For more information visit aso.org.au/aso mentoring program or email communications@aso.org.au