April 2023

INSIDE CONNECTION JACLYN OSKIERKO | CAI-NJ DIRECTOR, CONFERENCE & EVENTS

Mentorship Matters

S uccession Planning is a term that we hear often today, and one that companies should be consider ing as they plan for the future of their organizations. With boomers transitioning from their leadership roles into retirement over the next decade or so, it has never been so important that guidance is given, and preparations are made for the new class of common interest community pro fessionals. Through mentorships, we can bridge the gap between generations and ensure the future of the industry is well preserved. The New Jersey chapter of Community Associations Institute, along with the Women’s Leadership Committee, have been working together for more than three years to design a Mentorship Program for community managers and service providers within the association. The chapter is thrilled to officially have launched the program for 2023, with a group of fifteen seasoned professionals eager to support the program as mentors. The chapter is working to obtain more mentee applicants who are just as eager to learn from those in this industry. Interested candidates should visit https://cainj.org/mentorship-program/ for more infor mation and to submit an application. Mentors An effective mentor is enthusiastic to share their expertise and guide their mentees to learn and grow both person ally and professionally. They are well-respected leaders and have valuable insight into the needs of their industry and can see the bigger picture. Mentors are patient and should have a genuine desire to listen and provide quality feedback. They guide their mentees to set goals and deter

“Mentees should be goal-oriented individuals who are looking to develop and maintain an action plan to achieve their career goals.” professional to determine them. Mentees are lifelong learners seeking to take ownership of their future and work through any barriers that may be obstructing their develop ment. Mentees should leave their pride at the door when working with a mentor; it is the role of the mentor to push the mentee to be the absolute best version of themselves, which can certainly be a humbling experience. “Building Better Communities” is not only the CAI motto, but also an aspiration that this industry strives to achieve. Programs such as this are imperative to creating a strong future for the industry and will prepare the next generation of leader to fill the very large shoes of their predecessors. n mine the path they will need to take to accomplish them. In return, mentors can find personal fulfillment through their contributions and satisfaction that they are helping influence future leaders. Mentees Mentees should be goal-oriented individuals who are looking to develop and maintain an action plan to achieve their career goals. They may or may not know what those goals are yet but are eager to work with an experienced

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