In agriculture and food systems, developing strong leaders is essential. Mentoring plays a key role in this development, providing guidance and support to emerging leaders. Within programs like LEAD21, it's crucial to understand how mentor-mentee relationships work, whether they start from existing relationships or are formed from scratch. Each type of relationship brings unique benefits that help shape participants into capable leaders who can handle the challenges and innovations needed in the food system and higher education today. The following are a set of findings from a study I conducted with several amazing colleagues looking at the mentoring experience in an adult leadership development program.
Key Insights from Mentoring in Adult Agricultural Leadership Development Programs:
Nature of Mentor/Mentee Relationships:Â Relationships can be pre-existing or formed from scratch within the context of the program. Each type brings different dynamics and opportunities for growth.
Interaction Processes:Â Mentors interact with mentees through both formal and informal processes, with informal interactions often leading to more personalized and adaptable learning experiences.
Roles of Mentors:Â Mentors view their roles variably; some see themselves as guides aimed at achieving specific career outcomes for mentees, while others adopt a more exploratory and personal development-focused approach.
Challenges and Opportunities:
Clarifying Expectations:Â Both mentors and mentees benefit from clear expectations and structured guidelines, which help in maximizing the mentoring relationship's effectiveness.
Program Support and Resources:Â Providing mentors with ongoing support and resources, including updates on program curriculum and participant progress, can enhance the mentoring process.
Building Networks:Â Encouraging the formation of broader mentorship networks can enrich the leadership development program experience, providing both mentors and mentees with valuable professional connections and support.
Mentoring within a leadership development program conceptual framework
Mentoring within agricultural leadership development programs offers a complex but important opportunity for developing the next generation of leaders. By analyzing, iterating, and improving the mentorship process—through better understanding of relationship dynamics, structured support, and extended networking opportunities—we can improve the impact of these programs. Effective mentoring not only develops individual capabilities but also strengthens the entire agricultural and food system by developing leaders equipped to face future challenges. Please be sure to share your thoughts in the comments below. I've included the full article if you would like to learn more.
Lamm, K. W., Sapp, L. R., & Lamm, A. J. (2017). The mentoring experience: leadership development program perspectives. Journal of Agricultural Education, 58(2), 20-34. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.2017.02020
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