Mentoring Framework
Mentee Expectations
- •Take responsibility for your growth
- •Be open to coaching and feedback
- •Follow through on commitments
- •Respect your mentor’s time and experience
Mentor Expectations
- •Share your knowledge
- •Listen actively
- •Encourage growth and accountability
- •Maintain confidentiality
Mentoring Foundations
- •Trust
- •Respect
- •Honest Communication
- •Accountability
- •Confidentiality
- •Mutual Learning
Mentoring Smart Goals
- •Specific
- •Measurable
- •Achievable
- •Relevant
- •Time-Bound
Proposed First Year Timeline
August 2026
Launch at NABJ Convention
November 2026
Leadership Summit I
February 2027
Leadership Summit II
May 2027
Leadership Summit III
August 2027
Evaluate Year One, Graduation & Launch Year Two
Four-Phase Mentorship Process
Phase 1
- •Focus: Professional Decorum & Trust Building (Months 1–3)
- •Objective: Establish a safe space to discuss workplace dynamics
- •Action Item: Mentee conducts a Newsroom Culture Audit
Phase 2
- •Focus: Professional Development & Technical Excellence (Months 4–6)
- •Objective: Identify skills gaps and map career advancement
- •Action Item: Create an Individual Development Plan (IDP)
Phase 3
- •Focus: Leadership & Navigating Institutional Power (Months 7–9)
- •Objective: Move the mentee from passive content producer to strategic thinker
- •Action Item: Mock high-stakes pitch session or performance review prep
Phase 4
- •Focus: Strategic Network Building & Legacy (Months 10–12)
- •Objective: Secure sponsorship and build an external professional brand
- •Action Item: Mentee hosts a Capstone Debrief
- •Action Item: Capstone graduation and celebration after the 12-month cycle