We have just identified that a lot of our employees are willing to participate in a mentoring programme. I was wondering if you have any tips on how to match mentors and mentees?

One of the things we did with our mentoring programme was to match the pairs by similar characteristics. Same gender, same generation, same culture. We did this so they would have a solid ground where they could easily find things to talk about, which is a good way for them to build a bond.

Hi there. While I agree with you that this is a good way for the to find a common ground, I think that you missed a valuable opportunity for your employees to become more aware when it comes to diversity issues. This would lessen the chances of discrimination.

I agree, but if you have a mentor-mentee pair that don't get along, it sure won't work out between them.

For my part, I think that both sides should be able to communicate well. If they don't, then you would have to help them along. Give them an itinerary of sorts, or ice breakers for them to be more open to each other.

That's a great idea. I also think that a mentor-mentee relationship should be reciprocal. The mentor should also learn from the mentee. This way you get utmost benefit from the exercise.

When we had a mentoring programme, we made it clear that both parties should be very honest. I think this is what led to a more open communication. No judgments were passed, but each failure or success was treated as a way to learn.