For the most part, professional associations exist to educate their members. Most are very good at promoting relationship building among members by providing regular access to training and networking at meetings and conferences. Programs allow members to learn skills that will keep them employed, grow personally and professionally, stay current with industry trends, prepare for upward mobility, or enhance their marketability in these changing times.
The most effective training produces the best results when people incorporate new learning into their work immediately. Less experienced people may have difficulty in the day-to-day application of what they’ve learned because they need support and guidance to develop new habits. For many people, professional development workshops produce new insights, folders or notebooks full of notes that are never referred to again, and minimal change.
At Odyssey Mentoring, our clients report that more structured professional mentoring programs between young professionals and more experienced practitioners improve productivity and allow for richer relationships and breakthrough results. Program participants report relationships that are mutually satisfying to both mentors and protégés.
Generally, opportunities to receive one on one mentoring through professional association membership are accessible on an informal basis. This works when a member has an immediate, short-term need for coaching, advice, or brainstorming.
By offering a structured mentoring program through your association, you can provide a valuable member benefit that continually enhances the effectiveness of the training you currently provide, develops members’ careers regardless of where they work, and establishes your organization as the leader.
