
If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants.
Isaac Newton
How can we help you?
Welcome to Mentoring Matters, a community of learners who seek to support the development of robust mentoring initiatives that enable sustainable development in intercultural contexts.
Mentoring is one of the most effective staff development tools. It is personal, relevant, relational and flexible. Mentoring is especially beneficial in multicultural organisations where investing in the professional development
of every staff member – regardless of age, gender, race or language –
is of the utmost importance.

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- A lifetime of mentoring – interview with Dr Katy BarnwellDr Michael Jemphrey, Translation and Anthropology Consultant, SIL Dr Katy Barnwell needs no introduction to anyone in the Bible translation world. I first met her when I was a newbie consultant in trainingContinue reading “A lifetime of mentoring – interview with Dr Katy Barnwell”
- Speaking grace and truth in mentoring: how we grow through challengesKate M, Translation Consultant, SIL If somebody asked me, what was missing from mentoring I received as a translation consultant-in-training, I would say, “Being challenged – challenged to grow in my consultant andContinue reading “Speaking grace and truth in mentoring: how we grow through challenges”
- Brain-friendly mentoringEszter Ernst-Kurdi, Training Coordinator, SIL Francophone Africa Have you ever wondered what makes certain mentoring pairs more performant than others? Do you know colleagues or teams in your organisation that work so wellContinue reading “Brain-friendly mentoring”
Testimonials
A good mentor is a great gift. During my first term on the field I experienced what it is like to take up a new assignment in a remote, cross-cultural work situation without a mentor. It was stressful, difficult and discouraging. Recently, I have had the privilege to be mentored by experienced people who believedContinue reading “Eszter”
I am very pleased to have a mentor who sometimes observes me at work, helps me see my mistakes and gives me valuable suggestions for how I can improve in my consulting skills. Having a knowledgeable mentor by my side motivates me and pushes me to do better and better each day.
Mentoring should always be seen as a two-way street. I have worked with many people who had skills and gifts I lacked. Though I could be helpful in their development, I needed to also learn from them. Everyone, whatever the role, gains experience over time, and there are always those to whom that experience shouldContinue reading “Frank”
