At Learning 2011, we are designing two very special "Mentoring" activities - to help connect participants with an experienced or emerging learning leader. Here are the 2 sessions that went up on the schedule board today:
Reverse Mentoring: Our 30 younger learning professionals in the 30 Under 30 Program will be the mentors to more "elder" colleagues, providing a unique perspective on how their generation approaches, views and is changing the world of learning. A chance to ask a Next Gen learning colleague for help and mentoring. Last night, we held a conference call with the 30 Under 30 Group and they are very excited to be asked for mentoring - a rare but key aspect of having 4 generations in 1 workplace.
- Speed Mentoring: In this session, senior learning leaders will be the mentors - for 4 rounds of 12 minute mentoring on any topic from career advice, leadership perspectives or learning philosophy. I saw this design in action at the ISPI conference this year and have adapted it for Learning 2011. These will be some of the most valuable discussions and connections you will make at the event.
Nigel Paine, former CLO of the BBC and current MASIE Learning Fellow, along with a few of last year's 30 Under 30 alumni, will facilitate these optional sessions. We will have sign-up sheets in Orlando.
Designing these activities is always a combination of process decisions (how long and how focused) with logistical decisions (what type of room layout and when do people volunteer). We have made those key choices today, as we add Speed Mentoring and Reverse Mentoring to your Learning 2011 agenda - in just 45 days.