Our aim is to furnish the next generation of design leaders with the wherewithal to make more informed decisions about their businesses, their people and themselves. We need them to shape the future, make things happen, engage today’s talent, build the next generation and encourage them to invest in themselves.

The relationships between the mentor and mentee will develop within a framework of objectives which allow the mentee to move from A to B, from good to great. Aspiring to greatness is a key theme.  And the mentor will reap the benefits of this interaction as well.

What’s in it for me?

• You’ll impact on the industry culture and raise the horizons of the best in the business.
• Two-way learning; develop great mentoring skills for use in your organisation.
• Renew your focus on your own business and development.
• Being a part of someone else’s success can be hugely rewarding.

There will be an equality in the mentor-mentee relationship and the opportunity to engage in the sharing of insights and advice in a non-directive way. The mentors give the mentee the framework by which they can make their own decisions and empower themselves. The mentors do this by making insightful interventions and asking productive questions. We’ll train them how to do this….if they don’t already naturally converse in that way.

What makes a good mentor?

Someone who:

• Has an interest in the development of themselves and others.
• Has a sense of proportion and good humour.
• Professional and business savvy.
• Listens well and asks powerful questions.
• Is committed, open, honest and enthusiastic.

What’s the commitment?

• Volunteer your time – a minimum of 9 meetings of around an hour with your mentee over 12 months.
• Get free training: 1 full day workshop in London one month in – Monday 25 June; a review day five months in – Monday 22 October; continuous support through a dedicated website and tailored resources. To take part in this programme, you must attend the training days, so please be sure to save the dates in your diary once they are announced.
• Contribute to the evaluation of the programme; provide feedback at two points over the full 12 months, by simple form and phone call.

Next steps

• Complete a mentor profile form to help us to match you with a mentee.
• Successful matches will be advised by 1-2 weeks after the application deadline for mentees.
• What if I’m not matched with anyone? Mentoring pairs are driven by the needs of the mentees that apply. We would still love you to be engaged in the programme and we would hope that we can utilise your skills for future cohorts.

If you’d like to talk this through with the DBA before submitting an application, please call Sally Lukins, Events and Programmes Manager, on 020 7251 9229 or email sally@dba.org.uk.

Download a mentor profile form