The Forward Mentoring framework is centered around connection, growth and reflection.
Connection serves as a foundational programmatic element. The goals associated with this element are building relationships, broadening perspectives and facilitating a sense of belonging/inclusion through open conversations with individuals from different backgrounds and career stages. This is achieved through the creation of intentional spaces for mentors and mentees to ask questions, practice, make mistakes, tell stories and share perspectives.
The second element, grow, aligns with the goal of enhancing leadership capacity through gains in self (bias) and other awareness, empathy, increased cultural competence, trust building, curiosity, communication and feedback skills. Forward Mentoring is structured into six reverse mentoring sessions designed to support growth in these areas.
The final element, reflect, serves the goals of practical skill application, self-reflection and increased self-efficacy in the ability to cultivate an environment that values and promotes inclusivity and belonging. Pre-program bias self-assessments, session guides and final goal-setting activities contribute to mentor and mentee reflection.