by vectorspace » Tue Mar 18, 2014 9:18 pm
From discussions with others working on this concept, I would describe it as a one strongly supported by Waze staff to help expedite motivated editors up the ranks more quickly. To do this, it was intended to be a more formal, one-on-one, intensive engagement with a start, objectives, and and end. The intent was to increase editing level immediately or in the middle of mentoring with the notion that level could be reduced if the Mentee didn't sufficiently engage.
OrbitC is leading. I have assisted by creating some draft documents that have yet to be shared including (1) a helpful process to consider when engaged in 1:1 mentoring, (2) Training and agreement for Mentors, and (3) agreed upon process or "management" of mentoring by Mentors so we have some consistency. We'll take advantage of some other tutorial efforts underway by Waze staff, and hopefully expand the tutorial material.
Because there is some risk in "more quickly," there was some intent to make this a "Formal Mentoring Program" where we both carefully select the Mentors and the Mentees. The objective was to not make mistakes in increasing levels and to make it enjoyable by everyone -- to make it a success. Mentors and Mentee both have to commit to this, and therefore one Mentor can only take on so many Mentees at a time.
It was not intended to replace all the existing informal mentoring going on, which is a great thing. It was intended to learn from the few examples where some informal Mentors and Mentees really committed to take time to improve. As such, everyone that becomes a Mentor will have to agree to a list of attributes and approaches before they are accepted as a Formal Waze Mentor. Waze staff said another "badge" and designation would likely be added to all those who are accepted into the Mentor position. Just because you're a level-6 or a Global Champ doesn't mean you would make a good Mentor. You have to have patience, interest in teaching, and the time to do it.
We discussed this "Trial" yesterday because (how I interpreted it), we could use a little more experience before launching a complete Waze Formal Mentoring activity. We could work out some bugs, get some lessons learned, and at the same time start to build a cadre of Mentors.
vectorspace