Connections Mentoring Initiatives
The Connections Mentoring Initiative is a premier leadership development and mentoring fellowship program. Created to prepare talented and diverse broadcasters for the next phase of their broadcasting careers, Connections links senior level broadcast mentors with women and people of color who are their companies’ emerging leaders.
No one doubts the challenges of these economic times. Expanding the strengths of capable people, providing them with knowledge that supports industry growth and tools for increased impact is an important business objective. Connections offers just that. Participants have a critical opportunity to learn, lead, risk and succeed with the guidance of seasoned professionals.
Up to fifty professionals will be selected as Connections Fellows for the yearlong initiative. In its course, Fellows receive professional and career development advice while mentors gain insight to issues facing broadcasters at the entry and middle ranks of the industry. It’s a dynamic process.
Program Components
Forming Partnerships
Mentoring pairs will be matched by the NABEF staff. Considerations will be given to the protégés’ mentoring needs, professional goals, interests, and organizational function and level. The mentor’s professional background, strengths and requests will also be taken into consideration. As often as possible, location will be considered when matching the pairs. Although NABEF encourages cross-company matches, mentors and protégés can be within the same company if desired.
Building Partnerships
Mentoring pairs will participate in two online workshops that give an overview of the mentoring process, foster rapport, and identify resources for effective mentoring relationships.
Each pair will be expected to spend at least three hours each month communicating in person, over the phone or online.
Mentors must agree not to recruit the Fellows to their own companies while in the program or the following year.
Webinars
Six webinars will be held throughout the program term. The goal of the webinars is to assist the mentoring pairs with navigating the partnership, to provide leadership development and training, and to expose the participants to trends. The calls will take place every other month during the program.
Webinar topics will include:
- Developing and Implementing Strategies
- Playing to Your Strengths
- Tools for Taking Charge: Change and Innovation
DiSC Behavioral Tool
Each mentor and protégé will benefit from insights gained from a DiSC professional profile. The online tool promotes understanding of each partner’s behavioral style and establishes an effective foundation for the relationship at the beginning of the program.
Surveys
Participants will complete three short surveys during the program. Two are designed to gauge the success of the mentoring partnership and inform the NABEF of issues and opportunities that would benefit from additional resources or support. The final survey solicits feedback about the program.
While most survey results will be private, some outcomes will be communicated to highlight program successes and offer tips on strengthening the mentoring partnership.
Selection Process
Protégés will be selected based on their years of experience, their mentoring needs and their supervisors’recommendations. Individuals who are regarded as leaders within their organizations and professionals with significant workplace accomplishments will be given priority. All interested persons must complete the program application to be considered.
Protégés are encouraged to submit the names of at least two individuals whom they would like as mentors. Mentors will also be solicited by the NABEF staff. Potential mentors will include former participants of NABEF programs, the NAB Board and other broadcast professionals who express interest in participating in the program. Mentors must complete a program application to assist with the matching process.
Costs
Because of the generous support the McCormick Foundation and NAB, there are no costs to participate in the Connections Mentoring Initiative.
What to Include in Your Application Packet
Participants/Mentees
- Current resume
- Supervisor Agreement Form completed and signed by the applicant's immediate supervisor
- A completed and signed Participant Application Form submitted by the due date
- A photo in jpeg or tif format
Mentors
- Current resume
- Mentor Information Form
- A photo in jpeg or tif format
For more information please contact Michelle Duke, 202 429-5361 or mduke@nab.org.
