Informal Learning Exchange Getting Started & F.A.Q.'s
Last Updated Sunday, October 18, 2009
Welcome to the Learning Leaders' Informal Learning Exchange Getting Started & Frequently Asked Questions.
The Informal Learning Exchange is an e-mentoring resource providing an easy way to strengthen connections within our Learning Leaders community. Partnering with Triple Creek Associates and various professional networks, we are pleased to provide you with an easy-to-use web-based way to enhance your professional networking. This e-mentoring program is flexible and easy-to-use so you can be both a mentor and a mentee. We encourage you & your network to enjoy the benefits of both roles.
Getting Started:
Optional: click here to check if you can access our member-only area using your work email address.
Click on the Members tab on the menu above and log into our members-only area.
Write down the User Group Code provided which you will need for setting up your profile. Then follow the instructions provided for setting up your e-mentoring profile on our Informal Learning Exchange e-mentoring website.
Are you a learning leader but not an Executive Learning Exchange Member and want to participate?
It is an e-mentoring program open to the our Learning Leader Community. In a partnership with Triple Creek Associates and other learning and talent development professional organizations, a customized mentoring program has been designed to specifically meet the needs of those who want to share their learning leader capabilities, while helping others grow their capabilities.
What is the website address for the Informal Learning Exchange?
Senior members of the Chicagoland Learning Leaders and the Executive Learning Exchange stated that it was important to them to contribute to developing talent in our market. Those newer to the field said they were looking for ways to receive assistance from more experienced learning leaders. A key to the mission of the Executive Learning Exchange is to facilitate the exchange of information. This program is another way of helping members expand their capabilities.
Who can participate?
Initially the program will be limited to Chicagoland Learning Leaders. You need not be a member of the Executive Learning Exchange to participate.
Do I need to pay a fee to participate?
There is no cost for you or learning leaders in your network to participate.
How do I get started?
Executive Learning Exchange Members are asked to click on the Members tab, on the home page scroll bar. Click on the Mentor information. A hyperlink to the e-mentoring web site is included with unique “User Group Codes” you need to set-up your profile.. “User Group Code” is they way to specify mentor-mentee. If you are a learning leader but your organization is not an Executive Learning Exchange member, you can send an email requesting participation to mentoring@learningexecutive.com.
How much time is required to me a Mentor?
It is estimated that for each mentor-mentee relationship that from 1-2 hours per month will be spent connecting and exchanging information.
Do Mentors and Mentees need to meet in person?
Many relationships are very successful without the two parties ever meeting face-to-face. There is no requirement to do so. It is anticipated that there will be naturally occurring connections at hosted Executive Learning Exchange learning activities and other learning forums across the Chicago area.
How are Mentors and mentees matched to each other?
Mentors and Mentees each complete an online profile citing their areas of interest. A computer program creates a list of strong matches. This list is sent to the Mentee. The Mentee then emails a Mentor, requesting that they work together. The Mentor then accepts the connection or requests the Mentee to select another Mentor.
How many Mentees will I have as a Mentor?
Mentors control the final step in the matching process. If a Mentor is too busy to take on Mentees for a period of time, they can mark themselves as unavailable and no additional connections will be made. Most Mentors find it valuable to have from 1-2 mentee’s at a time.
How many Mentors can I have at a time?
It is recommended to limit to one Mentor at a time. This helps ensure that there are Mentors available for all Mentees and that Mentee development is focused.
How long does a Mentor – Mentee relationship usually last?
It depends on the topic chosen for development, and the interpersonal connections that the two parties make. The goal of the mentoring can be very specific and end when that goal is met, or it can continue for a longer period of time. Generally the expectation is that the relationship will last a minimum of 3 months.
How do I end the relationship as a Mentor or as a Mentee?
When the relationship is started, goals are set. Often both parties agree that when the goals are met that the relationship will end. If at any time either party does not uphold relationship agreements then the other party can, and should suggest that the relationship end.
Please contact us at mentoring@learningexecutive.com.and we can discuss your specific areas of interest or answer addtional questions.
