The goal of the AEHADA Mentor Program is to encourage the professional development of senior healthcare IT leaders. This will be accomplished through information sharing and guidance between accomplished peers within the industry. AEHADA members who request a mentoring relationship will be matched - each mentoring engagement will run for a calendar year unless terminated by either peer, or extended by the agreement of the two peers.

The mentor and mentee will determine the scope of the engagement. The pair will identify knowledge and skill areas that are to be developed, whereby each receives value for their participation. The likelihood of a successful engagement improves when the pair define personal goals, and work towards these areas for mutual benefit. Goals may include such areas:

• Strategic Thinking
• Identifying Critical Issues
• Emotional Intelligence
• Understanding and Managing Change
• Leadership Skills
• Improving Business Skills
• Relationship Management
• Effective Communication
• Career Advancement
• Personal Future Planning

Applications for both roles may be submitted at specified times during the year. The application form for both roles will include a personal and organizational profile, identify the applicant’s personal goals, time available for the program, and other relevant items. Pairs will be matched as participants are available during the program term. Mentor-Mentee Matching AEHADA staff will review all applications, and present potential candidates to approved mentors. AEHADA will consult with the mentors to determine a potential match. AEHADA will notify the potential mentee if the potential mentor accepts.

The pairs may develop a partnership agreement that outlines the details of the engagement. The agreement will define personal goals and milestones associated with these goals, the frequency and methods of contact, and who is responsible for initiating contact. Once the goals are set by the mentor/mentee partners, the Mentor Partnership Agreement should be completed, and signed by both participants. A copy should be sent to AEHADA if participants are applying for CEUs.

There are certain attributes that both mentors and mentees should have that will contribute to a successful mentor-mentee relationship. While this is a mentee-driven program, the partnership will only be successful when both peers are committed to the program.

Attributes for Successful Mentors and Mentees:

• High integrity and trust
• Active listener
• Effective team member
• Strong leader
• Ability to manage vision and purpose
• Strategic vision
• Adaptability
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Initiative
• Commitment to teaching and lifelong learning
• Provides guidance, not solutions
• Proactive and willing to follow-through
• Builds partnerships

AEHADA staff will administer the evaluation component of the Mentor Program. The evaluation forms for each mentor-mentee pair will address questions about the specific goals as set forth in the agreement. If you have any questions about the AEHADA Mentor Program, please contact: [email protected] or by phone at 734-665-0000.