HARLAN SAFE PROGRAM MENTOR FAQ’s

Q:        What is a Mentor?

A:        A mentor is a peer SME (Subject Matter Expert) who has a level of knowledge, experience, and know-how that they are willing to share to help others learn, grow, and improve.  A mentor must be in good employment standing, have good communication skills, a solid knowledge of all the tasks and functions of their department and be CFP certified.

Q:        Why are you asking me to be a Mentor?

A:        We believe by observing you on the shop floor that you possess these important skills and traits.

Q:        What do I get for being a Mentor?

A:        You receive several things.  First, you will be compensated for successfully mentoring new hires. Second, you will be seen as an SME by your peers, so you will gain an increased level of respect. Lastly, you will be bumped up from CFP to Master CFP which means you can be fast-tracked for further advancement in the company.

Q:        How many people will come to me with questions?

A:        Beyond your mentees, you likely could answer questions for others as well.  That is part of being an SME and a mentor.  How many questions you get, is likely tied to how good a mentor you choose to be.

Q:        How long do I have to be a Mentor?

A:        The mentor ‘term’ is three months.  If you enjoy it and do a good job, you may have the opportunity to extend it to six months.  However, at six months, each mentor must take a mandatory 3-month period off before they can re-apply for mentorship.

Q:        What if I try to be a mentor but don’t like it?

A:         If you don’t like being a mentor, you can choose to step down.  You will be asked to go through an exit interview to explain why you are choosing to step down.  The purpose of this is to understand how we can improve the program and work environment for others.  You will not be penalized for stepping down if it is simply not a good fit for you.

Q:        What if the people I mentor don’t do what I ask them to do or don’t follow my directions?

A:        If you are experiencing problems with mentees not following Harlan processes, standards and best-practices or not listening to your guidance, you can communicate this behavior to either the Supervisor, Shift Leader, or a member of the SAFE team.

Q:        Why is being a Mentor important?

A:        We can all learn from one another.  Being a new employee can be hard.  Not knowing the food industry or being new to manufacturing can be challenging or even scary.  Often, people can be afraid to ask questions.  Not having the right information or knowledge can hurt their performance. The performance of others or worse, can cause quality or even safety issues.  Mentors can help new employees quickly get up to speed and feel confident in their job.

Q:        Am I being measured on my performance as a Mentor and if so, what does that            mean?

A:        Yes.  You are measured by keeping your mentees in the program.  If your mentees gradate to AFP after 90 days, you have been a successful mentor.

Q:        How many people will I be responsible for mentoring?

A:        Up to, but no more than 3 mentees during each three-month term.

Q:        How will people know that I am a Mentor?

A:        Mentors will be introduced at NEO training to new employees, they are called out in team huddles.  Also, mentors will have their picture posted in common areas along with shift leaders and supervisors.

Q:        How are Mentors picked?

A:        Mentors can be nominated to supervisors, shift leaders or the SAFE leadership team.  Candidates must possess the qualities and meet the criteria outlined in the first FAQ question.