Understanding mentor motivations is another way to segment your potential pool of applicants and target each of them effectively. We will identify some motivations that currently drive potential mentors to join a mentoring program, provide sample messaging for these motivations, and address any potential pitfalls that may exist. This and more is covered in greater depth in the iMentor Academy Course: Communicating with Potential Mentors (#linkneeded).
Looking for more examples to segment your recruitment pool? Check out Segmenting your mentors and targeting your message.
Values
Definition: To express humanitarian and pro-social values through action
Tailored Messaging:
- “Young people need your support.”
- “Mentor a student: It’s the right thing to do.”
- “Make the world a better place one kid at a time.”
- Share a lot of information about the progress of their mentees and highlight long-term impacts of the program.
Career
Definition: To explore career options and increase the likelihood that a particular career path can be pursued
Tailored Messaging:
- “Mentoring a student opens a world of possibilities, for both of you.”
- “Mentoring: creating skilled communicators for over a decade.”
- Providing group activities, networking time or ongoing mentor trainings can be a great way to get mentors talking to each other and provide opportunities to practice skills applicable in the workplace (i.e. problem solving, communication).
Understanding
Definition: To gain greater understanding of the world, the diverse people in it and oneself
Tailored Messaging:
- “Life happens when you connect with others.”
- “There’s a generation gap. Close it by mentoring a student.”
- Ongoing training, discussions, or reflection activities provide mentors with the opportunity to discuss how the mentoring experience has helped them grow and how they can apply their knowledge.
Protective
Definition: To distract oneself from personal problems or to work through problems in the context of service
Tailored Messaging:
- Don’t let a young person make the same mistakes you did. Share what you know.”
- “Did you need someone to care about you when you were that age?”
- Share your observations about the mentor’s own growth if appropriate. Let them know that your program is part of their system of support, too.
Social
Definition: To satisfy the expectations of friends and close others
Tailored Messaging:
- These volunteers are likely to find value in recognition targeted at specific people. Ex: Recognizing corporate mentors in their company’s newsletter or info session; involving their friends and family with an opportunity like a mentor/mentee picnic.
