Promote! To Mentor or Not to Mentor - Is success dependent on the answer?
Lisha Coffey, Alliant Energy

Most will agree that there is great value in thinking creatively and strategically about different paths to success. When you talk with any CEO they will tell you that they look to expand their teams with people who have something new to bring to the table; complementary yet different skill-sets and experiences that could rub off on other employees. In other words – workplace diversity.

In its most basic form, workplace diversity is a people issue, focused on the differences and similarities that people bring to an organization. It is nothing more than the different thoughts, ideas, filters, and backgrounds all coming together to create the one “you.”
And therein lies why mentoring is integral to the success of our mission - that “you” is what you share when you network, teach and mentor.

Energetic Women’s mission simply reads, “To increase the pool of promotable women in Energy Operations and Engineering.” You see, by increasing the pool of promotable women we increase the opportunity of bringing diversity (thoughts, views, and filters we apply) to the betterment of a group or solution. It is the success that will ultimately come from the diversity of thoughts created by the expanding pool.

It has been studied time and again and the conclusions are the same – women who become stars have had mentors; in fact, the most obvious difference between star and nonstar in equity research is access to a supportive mentor. We even heard how important mentors were for our esteemed panelists at our inaugural conference!

We are all diverse and that diversity gives us great information and filters with which to base our mentoring on. When mentoring you share your views, different from another, about dignity, respect and creating workplace environments and practices that encourage learning from others and capturing the advantage of those different perspectives. In the end we all benefit.

For a woman in any business, it’s easier to focus outward, where you can define and deliver the services required to succeed, than to navigate the internal affiliations and power structure within a nontraditional environment. I challenge us all to recognize the wealth of diversity we bring and to openly share with others. Only in that sharing can we truly promote each other and ultimately the mission of Energetic Women.

Support! Network Teams Formed

Speaking of mentoring, as promised during the Energetic Women Conference, those who were interested in partnering with an Emerging or Experienced Leader are on their way to connecting with each other for support, guidance and career enhancement. After a short questionnaire, Energetic Women hosted a webinar on the mentoring process, establishing expectations and relationships, and setting rules and goals for the partnership. The leadership team then matched the Emerging Leaders with qualified Experienced Leaders, using the questionnaire responses as a guideline, and introduced them to each other.

If you’re interested in becoming a mentor, are seeking a mentor, or are simply interested in the process, feel free to visit the Energetic Women website. We have established a Network Team page specifically to serve our participants and anyone interested. Contact Stephanie Menning at (651) 289-9600, ext. 114 if you’d like to participate.

Connect! Energetic Women On-line Services

Podcasts
Were you interviewed during the inaugural Conference? Want to hear what your fellow Energetic Women have to say? Check out the podcast interviews on-line at www.energeticwomen.org - look under the “Recognize” tab and select “Meet Your Peers.”

Webinars
For those signed up for the Network Teams, we held on webinar on best practices and fundamentals of how to be a good mentor or mentee (presentation and guideline documents are available on the web now). We’ll continue to stay connected through webinars with great topics for your learning and leadership education. Keep an eye on your email upcoming webinar sessions!

Web Forums
Part of Energetic Women’s goals and values is to provide a supportive environment, encourage leadership and growth, and share information and expertise. Want a sample? Check out this web forum discussion from August 22nd following our Network Team webinar.

“After today’s webinar I got to thinking more about the peer-to-peer relationship in the context of the mentor-mentee relationship as described today. It seems to me that in the peer-to-peer relationship both women may act in both roles as the mentor and mentee. I think the peer-to-peer pairings will perhaps have to give a bit more thought and consideration as to what they’d like to get out of the relationship. It may be that they each simply would like to have an objective listener who may be able to offer some insight into similar problems or issues or perhaps it will be more of a getting to know each other at first and discovering whether there are certain skills sets that they may be able to mentor one another on. Just a thought…”
Alison Millerick
Coordinator, Regulatory Support
Integrys Gas Group

I completely agree, Alison. I was thinking the same thing. For those of you who asked for a peer networking partner, I think each of you should go through the mentee exercise to identify your goals and expectations. By sharing them with each other, and agreeing on a path forward, you will likely shift fluidly between mentor and mentee, depending on where the conversations go - like you would with a friend. I think a peer networking partner could be just as valuable and welcome as a traditional mentor/mentee relationship.
Kris Nichols
VP, Engineering
Nicor Gas

Have a question? Want some feedback? Want to simply express yourself? We are here for you!! Visit the Energetic Women website and under the “Connect” tab, select Web Forum. You’ll need to login to the website to post your queries or share your thoughts. If you do not know your login and password, contact Larissa Presho, MEA’s Database Administrator at larissap@midwestenergy.org or (651) 289-9600, ext. 115.

Recognize! The Maverick Award

The 2nd Annual Energetic Women’s Conference will feature the first-ever Maverick Award. This special recognition will be awarded to any leader (male or female) who has set the standard in promoting, connecting and strengthening female leaders in energy operations and engineering. To nominate your candidate, submit a 500 word document outlining their contributions in leadership, mentoring and advocacy on behalf of women specifically in energy operations and engineering. Complete details on how to submit your candidate can be found on the Energetic Women website.

Leadership Team Updates

It is with sadness that we bid adieu to Kris Emaus, NiSource, Inc. as part of the Energetic Women Leadership Team. As one of the “founding five” her leadership and guidance were exemplary! She has assured us she’ll stay connected and we look forward to seeing her at the 2009 Conference in Scottsdale!

Welcome! We are honored to welcome four new members to the Energetic Women Leadership Team!

Patty Shea, Regional Business Manager, Avista Utilities
Juli Wagner, Sr. Engineer Operations Support, Madison Gas & Electric
Heidi Swanson, Director Customer Assistance Center, National Grid
Mary O'Toole, Senior Consultant, KO Solutions

We’re looking forward to their active participation and contributions on your behalf!

2009 Conference Plans Begin

After receiving a spectacular 52% response rate on the evaluations, we have heard your feedback and are taking your suggestions under consideration as we plan for the 2009 Conference. We’ll have more breakouts, allow more time in-between sessions and create a speed-networking activity where you can establish a relationship with a conference buddy or learning partner. We’ll categorize the breakout sessions into Emerging and Experienced Leader categories for clarification, and increase the opportunities for you to connect with each other for greater value.

We have a lot of great topic suggestions and will try to incorporate as many of them as possible. In the meantime, we’ll continue to update the website as planning progresses.

Register Now! Registration will be available starting September 15, 2008 and the hotel is ready to accept your registrations immediately. more