Page 9 - Orange County's Credit Union

Orange County’s Credit Union
Four Key Mentor Roles Defined

All mentor/mentee relationships are unique and require mentors to be flexible in their approach
and style. The focus is always on assisting the Mentee to grow in their chosen area of focus, yet
that can be achieved in many ways.

Mentors may find themselves stepping into the role of Processer, Capability Developer, Thought
Partner, and Supporter during the relationship. Each role is defined below.
Note: These are just guidelines, not requirements. Mentor/mentee relationships should have an
organic flow and authentic connection – and not bound by structure and restrictions.

Processer:

• Manages the mechanics of the one-on-one meetings
• Collaborates with Mentee and agrees on action steps between meetings
• Holds Mentee accountable for achieving agreed upon action steps
• Participates in mentorshop measurement and feedback
•

Capability Developer:

• Assists Mentee with clarifying expectations set forth by Leader
• Assists Mentee with converting feedback into action
• Looks for “developmental moments” and provides feedback when asked
• Enables Mentee to discover ways to improve
• Seeks growth opportunities for Mentee and self
Thought Partner:

• Serves as the Mentee’s sounding board
• Challenges Mentee to move from unproductive mindsets
• Fosters increased self-awareness and uncovers “blind spots”
• Asks questions to discover options and potential solutions
• Shifts conversations from presenting issues to real/below the surface issues

Supporter:

• Creates a “safe and trusting” relationship
• Assists Mentee with feeling comfortable in branching out to expand
organizational relationships
• Listens to Mentee and provides encouragement
• Helps Mentee navigate through Orange County’s Credit Union

OCCU Mentoring Guide: Expectations & Goals | 6