INDUSTRY INITIATIVES
Following the application process , mentor and mentee applicants are evaluated and matched . According to Goatley , SFMA will do its best to try to match people with similar interests based on survey responses . Both parties will then formally indicate a commitment on their part as an informal “ contract ” to be part of the program . There will be multiple possibilities in identifying what will become successful mentor / mentee relationships , with the ultimate goal being that both parties will grow professionally their roles .
As part of the mentorship program , SFMA will provide mentor training to equip mentors with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively guide and support their mentees . Training will cover active listening , effective communication , goal setting and providing constructive feedback . A roadmap to success will be provided to each participant to highlight monthly goals . Resources will also be provided each month to align with the roadmap .
SFMA will conduct regular check-ins with mentors and mentees to ensure that the program is running smoothly . The Learning Initiatives Committee will offer resources , guidance and support to mentors and mentees as needed . Mentorship program participants will also be recognized and rewarded . Mentorship program achievements will be highlighted in the monthly SFMA News Online , service points will be offered to participants , and participants will be acknowledged during the SFMA Conference and will be able to take part in a mentor / mentee meet and greet at the conference .
“ Not every mentor / mentee relationship is going to succeed ,” said Goatley . “ It truly is a two-way street for which personalities must also match . Both parties have something to gain . Mentors usually will transfer knowledge to a younger generation , and have the satisfaction of knowing that they can help someone else succeed . Mentees who are receptive to that knowledge and grow their relationship with their mentors will grow professionally and one day assume a similar role for others .”
According to Goatley , when asked for descriptors of what makes for successful mentor / mentee relationships , the leading words submitted by survey respondents were patience , supportive , leadership , believe , truthful , trust , care , teachable , respectful and responsible .
“ There was nothing surprising about any of these ,” he said . “ In reviewing the complete answers by our survey respondents , we felt there was one best answer that applies to either mentor or mentee — just be who you are !”
As SFMA embarks on its own formal mentoring program , it offers a unique professional opportunity for members to serve their peers and industry as mentors and mentees .
“ There no doubt will be some tweaking to the program as time passes ,” said Goatley . “ But all committee members felt very strongly that this program was a great opportunity for our membership to grow professionally and personally in roles as either mentor or mentee . We encourage you to consider participating by completing the survey . If our membership benefits from these relationships , then the association and those we serve will benefit as well .”
Added Jones , “ The ultimate benefit of the mentorship program is the creation of long-lasting relationships that — through committed effort — build the individual members involved , weaving a closer connection and strengthening SFMA and the industry well into the future .” SFM
John Kmitta is associate publisher and editorial brand director of SportsField Management magazine .
22 SportsField Management | February 2024 sportsfieldmanagementonline . com