Dr. Earl R. Smith II

Mentoring is about one person helping another to achieve something. More specifically, something that is important to them. It is about giving help and support in a non-threatening way, in a manner that the recipient will appreciate and value and that will empower them to move forward with confidence towards what they want to achieve. Mentoring is also concerned with creating an informal environment in which one person can feel encouraged to discuss their needs and circumstances openly and in confidence with another person who is in a position to be of positive help to them.

The need or even the necessity to achieve is present in all stages of life. When we start work we need to know the ins and outs of our job and what we are expected to do. In time, we may wish to consider the career prospects that exist in our current job and what we might aspire to. On a personal level, we may have set goals for achievement in the medium and long term. Clearly, we need help, advice and support in many aspects of life.

It is a fact of life, however, that some people do find it difficult, and possibly embarrassing, to discuss matters of a personal nature and their true career development intentions with those with whom they are in a line management relationship. In such cases, some other type of help and support is desirable. Mentoring is an approach to people development that introduces an independent and objective source of help outside and independent of the line management relationship. Whatever the circumstances, mentoring is an exclusive one-to-one relationship, is completely confidential and can be a useful complement to other staff development tools.

The Program: My innovative Life Coaching Online and Executive Life Coach programs involve six months of unlimited access to me by e-mail, phone, fax, regular mail, etc. (There is also a special intensive version explained below.) We can meet in person, as well, if convenient for both of us.

How It Works: You and I reach a mutual decision as to whether the program is right for you. If it is, we begin with your current situation, expectations, and fundamental value propositions. Using the structure of my Life Coaching Online and Executive Life Coach programs, we establish mentoring goals. Some people call me daily, some weekly, some monthly. Some visit, others don’t. The frequency and style are up to you. I return all phone calls within two hours, and all written correspondence within 24 hours.

Mentoring For Teams: This is a very powerful, personal learning experience. I also make it available for teams of emerging companies.