CLIENT’S BRIEF

A local polytechnic engaged us to design a workshop that would bring together student scholars and mentors to build connections and identify opportunities to strengthen its mentorship programme. As many of the mentors had not met the students before, the workshop was designed to foster meaningful introductions. We proposed the theme, "Mentorship as a Two-Way Partnership," to emphasise that effective mentoring is built on collaboration, with both mentors and scholars sharing responsibility for shaping a meaningful relationship.

WHAT WE DID

Using LEGO SERIOUS PLAY, we invited student scholars and mentors to explore mentorship from both perspectives.

Participants first reflected on the needs of today's scholars, sharing what they believe enables students to thrive and reach their full potential. They then explored what makes mentorship truly meaningful, identifying the behaviours and actions that have the greatest impact.

Finally, the group brought their ideas together to co-create a shared vision of great mentorship. Participants placed their individual ideals of mentoring on a matrix that considered two dimensions: Doing (actions that develop skills and knowledge) and Relating (actions that cultivate relationships). Having a visual landscape enabled the group to discuss and align on what a strong mentoring relationship could look like in practice.

THE OUTCOMES 

The workshop surfaced the aspirations and differing perspectives of scholars and mentors. For the scholars, meaningful mentorship was about having someone who would "walk the journey" alongside them, offering encouragement and support through different stages of their development. Mentors, on the other hand, emphasised helping scholars navigate and consider diverse career pathways, rather than preparing them for a single, linear path.

By making these perspectives visible, the workshop helped to establish a shared understanding of what meaningful mentorship could look like for both student scholars and mentors.