We’re on a mission to grow the next generation of purpose-driven leaders through skills-based mentorship
What does a Guidepost mentor do?
At Guidepost, our mentors support early career professionals in the outdoor and active sports industries in setting and achieving skills-based goals while navigating the unique terrain that a new industry or first destination career poses. They provide:
Social and emotional guidance and support
Help making connections and finding community within the industry
Support in thinking about long-term career goals
Advice on navigating new and/or difficult professional situations
The presence of a role model who has previously negotiated the challenging terrain of their early career years
What is skills-based mentorship?
Skills-based mentorship is a mentoring relationship that focuses on tangible skills development by tying its partnership goals to specific skills that the mentee wants to cultivate during the mentoring partnership. Our comprehensive mentor training will give you all the information and help you need to start setting skills-based goals and supporting your mentee in achieving them.
Who makes a good great mentor?
We want all of our mentees to have a great mentorship experience with a great mentor. Inspired by and borrowing from The Techstars Mentor Manifesto, we've developed The Guidepost Mentor Mindset, a list of qualities that we believe great mentors embody and embrace.
Values with a * are borrowed word-for-word from The Techstars Mentor Manifesto.
Expect nothing in return (you'll be delighted with what you do get back).*
Guide, don't tell. Be an atlas, not an answer key.
Clearly separate opinion from fact.*
What you say is valuable, how well you listen is priceless.
Always be honest. Always be kind.
Challenge robustly, cheerlead voraciously.
Take care of each other.
Be a door opener, not a dream killer (the world has enough dream killers already).
Say I don't know with courage (then go find the answer).
Enthusiasm is fragile. Handle it with care.
Start with empathy, even when it's difficult (especially when it's difficult).
Keep your word.
Remember what it was like to be new here.
Clearly commit to mentor or do not. Either is fine.*
We also look for mentors with:
At least 7 years of professional experience
The bandwidth to commit 1-2 hours per month to meeting with their mentee for 6 months
Previous experience mentoring, managing, coaching, or teaching
Program Details & Time Commitment
Our program launches February 6, 2024
Time Commitment:
Pre-Program Activities: 3-4 hours
30-45 minutes to take program self-assessments (CliftonStrengths & True Colors)
90-minute virtual mentor training & self-assessments debrief (January 17 from 4-5:30pm MT)
60-minute virtual program launch party (February 6 from 4-5pm MT)
You only need to take the self-assessments and attend mentor training once during your time as a mentor
Program Activities: 1-3 hours/month
1-2 hours of meetings with your mentor monthly
Optional 75-minute interactive Career School workshops monthly
What’s in it for mentors?
Mentoring is transformative for both mentees and mentors
Build Community
Expand your network by connecting with mentors and mentees. Mentors get access to our online mentors-only community.
Develop Leadership Skills
Through our comprehensive mentor training and your work with your mentee, you’ll build and hone essential leadership and management skills including: Setting and supporting skills-based goals, communication, active listening, coaching, giving/receiving feedback, and more.
Reflect on Your Career
Serving as a mentor allows you to reflect on your own career and puts all of your progress and accomplishments in perspective. Plus, you’ll get access to our monthly Career School career development workshops to add more tools to your career strategy toolkit.
Give Back
We’re all where we are today because someone gave us a chance, a hand, or a whole bunch of really great advice. Becoming a mentor allows you to “send the elevator back down” while helping shape the next generation of leaders.
Gain Confidence
According to research, 87% of mentors said they felt more confident and empowered because of their mentoring partnership.
Learn from Your Mentee
Working with a mentee exposes you to diverse perspectives and allows you to stay tapped into the real world experiences of someone in a different age group, job level, or organization type.