Major General (Ret) Philip Volpe, DO- Keys to Successful Mentorship- Setting the Ground Rules and Starting a Mentorship Relationship

Dr. Volpe is currently the AMSUS-Society of Federal Health Professionals Board Chairman

   On this episode of our Military Medical Mentorship Moments Series, Dr. Volpe focuses on how to set the conditions and ground rules for a successful mentorship relationship.  You will hear him provide insightful answers to the following questions:

1. How do you define mentorship?
2. What is the difference between Mentorship and Coaching?

• Coaches set the agenda; Mentees set the agenda.
• Coaching is performance-focused; Mentoring is development-focused.
• Coaches are specific; Mentors are holistic.
• Coaches are direct (active/ordering); Mentors are indirect (passive/advising).
• Coaches are in control; Mentees are in control.
• Coaching is uni-directional; Mentoring is bi-directional.
• Coaching is short term; Mentoring is long term.

• Coaches are task oriented; Mentors are relationship oriented.

1. How do you determine if mentorship or coaching is appropriate?
2. How do you find a mentor and start a relationship?
3. Is “chemistry” important?
4. What are some important ground rules for the Mentorship relationship?

• Desired learning outcomes
• Criteria for measuring success
• Mutual responsibilities
• Accountability assurances
• Protocols for addressing problems
• Action plan for achieving learning goal
• Safeguard confidentiality

1. Should a template be followed for a mentoring session (topical)?

Personal Reflections on Mentorship

1. Who was your most influential mentor? Why
2. What was the best advice you got from a mentor?
3. What do you know now that you wish you would have learned much earlier?
4. What characterizes a “good” or “not so good” mentorship relationship from your experience? Provide examples
5. What is some practical advice for someone interested in mentoring or being mentored? What are the next steps to take?

Dr. Philip Volpe retired from the United States Army after 30 years of distinguished service. His final two duty assignments were as the Commanding General of the Army’s Western Regional Medical Command followed by being assigned as the Commanding General at the Army Medical Department Center and School in San Antonio, Texas where he led and managed education, training and doctrine development for Army Medicine. Dr. Volpe shares many insights and mentorship lessons learned over a distinguished career. You don't want to miss this special episode!

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