Skills evaluation for effective mentoring in the project environment of Eskom Enterprises.

Abstract

The word 'mentor' is derived from the character Mentor who, according to Greek mythology, was the trusted counsellor ofOdysseus, under whose disguise Athena became the guardian and teacher of Telemachus (Great Illustrated Dictionary. 1984). In today's world changes are taking place at a rapid rate. In addition, the increasing complexity of the working environment has made it necessary that employees have a role model, teacher, coach and trusted counsellor to assist them in coping with these changes. Mentoring has become essential to the development of new and experienced staff and the enhancement of their performance in a challenging environment. This study evaluates the skills needed for a mentor, mentee and organisation to be successful in a mentoring program. In the first section of this document, problems regarding the shortages of power supply currently experienced in South Africa will be clarified. These problems are aggravated by a shortage of skills in the project environment. Mentoring may be a possible solution in the management of this problem. In the second section, a literature study which was conducted to determine which skills are necessary for a successful mentee-mentor relationship, will be discussed. Mentoring can only succeed if a good relationship exists between the mentor and mentee. The two developmental areas upon which mentoring can have the greatest impact on employees in organisations are the career development- and skills development areas. In the third section a case study initiative will be described which involves the implementation of a mentor-mentee relationship in a Project environment. This case study pays specific attention to the effect which certain skills have on the success of a mentor-mentee relationship.