MENTORING PROGRAM

GUIDANCE. SUPPORT. DEVELOPMENT

WHY MENTORING MATTERS MOST

Mentoring is a dynamic practice that serves as a catalyst for learning, growth, and development, benefiting both individuals and companies. The advantages of mentoring programs make them a strategic investment for companies seeking to foster personal and professional skill enhancement and progress.

The specific objectives of mentoring programs can vary according to a company or a team members unique goal, but the impact they deliver is consistently impressive:

Applicant must have been in the foodservice industry for a minimum of two years

  • Enhanced Retention: Mentorship programs contribute significantly to employee retention, creating a sense of belonging and commitment.

  • Accelerated Advancement: Through mentorship, individuals are propelled towards career advancement, unlocking their full potential.

  • Building Empathetic Connections: Mentoring fosters empathetic relationships, connecting people across various roles and backgrounds within the organisation.

  • Diversity and Representation: These programs play a pivotal role in promoting diversity and inclusivity within the workforce.

  • Rapid Knowledge Sharing: Knowledge sharing accelerates, benefiting both mentor and mentee, enriching the collective expertise.

  • Upskilling and Reskilling: Mentoring serves as a platform for continuous learning, empowering employees to upskill and reskill as needed.

“Xanny’s mentorship has been invaluable to my growth over the past year. Her insightful guidance, fresh perspectives, and thought-provoking challenges helped me tackle obstacles, expand my thinking, and focus on my career and personal development. I’m grateful for the confidence and clarity her support has given me for the future.

Fiorella Boretti
National Key Account Manager & Corporate Chef - Sandhurst Fine Foods

WOULD YOU LIKE TO JOIN THE 2024 MENTOR PROGRAM?

The FSAA Mentoring Program is a members-only service designed to give you that extra edge. When you join, you’ll be paired with industry professionals offering professional guidance on on your chosen area of career growth.

  • Looking to positively impact your career in the foodservice industry? Our Mentoring Program is a members-only benefit where you’ll be paired with industry professionals offering one on one guidance on on your chosen area of growth.

  • Whether you’re just starting out or already leading a team, this program is for all employees within a member company. It’s a chance to learn from those who you respect and admire.

  • It’s not just about guidance; it’s about transformation. From gaining fresh insights to developing new skills, you’ll broaden your professional capabilities. Plus, you’ll make valuable contacts within the industry, helping you grow your network.

  • The FSAA Mentoring Program is your launchpad for personal and professional growth. Take the next step in your career journey. Sign up today to uncover what you’re truly capable of.

RESOURCES

    • Planning and preparation are crucial for you to get the best of your sessions.

    • Carefully consider why you need a mentor and what you wish to achieve through the
      relationship.

    • Allocate sufficient time for preparation in between each mentoring dialogue and be
      dedicated to the process.

    • Be proactive, own the process.

    • You are responsible in driving the mentoring relationship.

    • You need to set goals, develop action plans and follow through on them independently.

    • You will exercise your own judgment in light of advice from your mentor

    • You need to accept full responsibility for your own actions and plans

    • It is not an expectation that the mentor is subsequently required to find you a job or
      to be your promoter

    • You are required to take an active role in reviewing both progress and the mentoring
      relationship

    • Be open to challenge and feedback

    • Be open to new learnings and feedback

    • Be open to being challenged and having your assumptions questioned

    • Maintain respect and manage expectations

    • Maintain a professional relationship with the mentor, accepting your mentor is a more
      experienced colleague and not a personal counsellor

    • Have realistic expectations of the mentoring relationship and the availability of the mentor

    • Maintain the confidentiality of discussions, except where agreed

    • The opportunity to learn from an acknowledged leader in the Foodservice industry.

    • The opportunity to make your own decisions based on what is learned.

    • Expanded career development and advancement potential.

    • Working with someone who can understand the issues you face

    • Meet with your mentor at mutually agreed times

    • Drive the mentoring relationship by deciding which issues and concerns you wish to discuss. Mentoring discussions can be held face to face, via Zoom or over the phone

    • Go to meetings with an agenda of what you would like to discuss

    • Keep the relationship informal and open.
      Be open to constructive feedback and keep your mentor advised of subsequent
      courses of action, where appropriate.

    • Make effective use of your mentor’s time by having focused sessions, at times it is
      advantageous to send your mentor the agenda prior to the meeting.

    • Remember that the mentor is giving his/her time and advice freely, but also are a very busy industry professional – stick to your set times.

    • Applicant must have been in the foodservice industry for a minimum of two years

  • As a company member of FSAA this is an exclusive membership benefit. No fee

  • Please contact Minnie Constan
    mconstan@fsaa.org.au 

FAQs

“George has been a terrific mentor over the last 20 months and I’m truly thankful for his support and guidance which has enabled me to take the next step in my career. The FSAA mentoring program has been very valuable and I would encourage others to take up this opportunity.”

— Michael Potts, National Account Executive | Inghams Enterprises Pty Ltd