Understanding Formal & Informal Mentoring 

It’s important to understand the difference between formal and informal mentoring.Why? Because different mentoring processes require different strategies and include different benchmarks and goals.

Formal mentoring programs include:

• Connection to a strategic business objective of the organization
  
• Established goals
  
• Measurable outcomes
  
• Open access for all who qualify
  
• Strategic pairing of mentors and mentorees
  
• Mentoring engagements lasting 9-12 months
  
• Expert training and support
• Direct organizational benefits
  

Informal mentoring programs include:

• Unspecified goals
  
• Unknown outcomes
  
• Limited access to the program
  
• Self-selection of mentors and mentorees
  
• Long-term mentoring
  
• No expert training or support
  
• Indirect organizational benefits

Formal mentoring, when combined with mentoring training, provides the most effective professional development program available. Learn how your organization can benefit from a formal mentoring program. Call us at 617-789-4622 or contact us today.