Frequently Asked Questions:
GENERAL
How long do you need to commit to the IAHA program?
There is no set period of time for mentoring relationships in this program because the time required depends on the needs of the mentee. Some mentees might be looking for short term coaching on a specific topic or skill and others may be looking for a longer term mentoring relationship. The requirements and time commitment should be discussed and agreed between the mentor and mentee at the beginning of the mentoring relationship.
How would mentors and mentees be matched?
IAHA has a Mentor Register with information about each mentor. Members seeking a mentor can search the register and request specific mentors based on the information provided. This request is made when members complete the Mentee Application Form. If your search of the mentor database is not successful then members can complete the Mentee Application Form and provide as much information as you can about your needs in terms of the knowledge base, experience and professional or cultural background of a future IAHA mentor. IAHA will then assist you in finding a mentor. There is no obligation for you to accept the suggested mentor that you have been allocated. IAHA will work with both mentor and mentee to find the best mutual match. Alternatively, if you have already identified a potential mentor, IAHA can still assist in making contact and supporting you both through the IAHA mentoring program.
What are the rules for participating in the IAHA Mentoring Program?
There are no IAHA rules as such but we expect that IAHA mentors and mentees will establish mutually respectful relationships that comply with State and Federal legislation related to the inclusion of diversity and the elimination of bullying, harassment and racial discrimination. Further, both mentoring partners will also need to enter into a mentoring agreement as part of the IAHA Mentoring Program which will outline mutual expectations for both parties, rather than rules.
What professional backgrounds or careers will mentors have in this program?
Mentors will be from the allied health professions of our membership as well as other professional and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australian backgrounds as required. For instance, a member might be looking for a mentor to specifically assist in marketing a new business. If there is no one on our database with the required skills and experience we would use our networks to assist the member to find a mentor with those skills and expertise.
What are the costs involved?
The only costs for mentors and mentees will be the costs involved in contacting one another via email or phone. IAHA mentoring resources can be used cost free by IAHA members and mentors.
MENTORS
Who can become a mentor?
Anyone with the expertise and experience that is required by IAHA members can become a mentor. We will be seeking mentors from both within and external to our membership including other professional associations and our networks in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Do mentors receive training and support?
Yes. Once you have agreed to bean IAHA mentor you will have access to extensive resources and self-paced training in the IAHA Mentoring Kit. Ongoing support will also be provided by the IAHA Membership Officer who will be available to answer your questions when they arise.
What is the application process and how do I apply?
To become a mentor you will need to complete the Mentor Application Form. Include as much information as possible because it will be entered onto our Mentor Register and will be available for members to search when seeking a mentor. Members will use the information provided by mentors to request mentors. You will be notified upon acceptance onto the IAHA Mentor Register and provided with access to resources and training in the IAHA Mentoring Kit.
Why do you want my bio and photo?
The biographical information and photo are required for inclusion on our mentor database. When IAHA members search the database it is important that they have a sense of who you are and what you can offer them as a mentor i.e. your area of expertise, your experience and your interests within and outside your profession.
In creating our mentor database we want to abide by the IAHA Privacy and Confidentiality Policy. We need your permission to include any information or photo of you on our website. That’s why we are asking you to provide both – to ensure that you approve of the information that we make available to others about you.
What if I don’t know something my mentee asks me?
Mentoring is not about having the answers. The role of mentors is to model behaviour that seeks information from others in their networks, to support mentees to gain the confidence and information to find their own answers. It’s realistic to expect that as a mentor you will need help, information or support along the way from other mentors or the IAHA Membership officer.
What if my mentee doesn’t do well and quits his or her job or drops out of university?
As a mentor you are not responsible for the success of your mentee. Your roles are to guide, support and encourage mentees to work things out for themselves, to help them to find their own solutions. Mentors do not fix or rescue.
However, you may have valuable contacts such as career counsellors whose contact details you could provide to your mentee. It is then the decision of the mentee to contact that person or not.
Clear and agreed boundaries in mentoring relationships provide structure and a framework within which the mentoring can take place. They help to create safety for both mentor and mentee.
MENTEES
Who can request an IAHA mentor?
Any IAHA member can request a mentor.
What can I expect from my mentor?
You can expect your mentor to:
- listen and be supportive;
- provide non-judgemental support;
- provide guidance on issues raised;
- help you to clarify your goals;
- pass on his or her knowledge and experience; and
- at times, challenge you to be the best you can be.
It’s important that you understand that mentoring is two way mutually beneficial relationship. You will be expected to participate fully rather than to merely receive wisdom from the mentor. It may be possible for some mentor partners to meet face to face if they live in the same area. However, most mentoring in this program will be informal and take place by email or skype/phone.
What if I experience problems with my mentor?
Effective mentoring relationships require both mentor and mentee to sometimes move out of their comfort zones. If you experience problems that you can talk about with your mentor, then that may be the first step. Hopefully the problems will then be resolved. If they continue, or you feel they are of a personal or sensitive nature, you may need to consider whether you want to continue the mentoring relationship and/or you may choose to contact the IAHA Membership Officer and discuss options.
How do I sign up?
To request a mentor, you will need to complete the Mentee Application Form and provide as much information as you can about your needs in terms of the knowledge base, experience and professional or cultural background of a future IAHA mentor. You may like to look at the list of available mentors on the IAHA Mentor Register or you may already have someone in mind. IAHA will then assist you in finding a suitable mentor.
How long will it be after I sign up that I will have a mentor?
We are aiming to complete the process within 4 weeks but it depends on whether here is a suitable match for you on our Mentor Register.