Mentoring is vital to IBM -- especially in Research. It stimulates teaming and knowledge sharing across groups and labs, and can also help employees personally prepare to become a technical or managerial leader. Mentoring can help employees take risks, to accept new challenges, to learn and to grow.

CRL Mentoring Network Program, a new initiative to establish the two-way relationship that allows CRL employees to share experiences and learn from each other. The program is volunteer based, with program coordinators assisting and monitoring progress. New campus hire mentoring and new leader mentoring will be the focuses of the program..

The purpose of this program is to create a climate that facilitates knowledge sharing and career development. And foster dialogue between participants that prompts them to think on a higher level.

Value of mentoring
For mentors:
Supports enhancing leadership skills
Provides the opportunity to retain people from leaving by showing internal opportunities
Learn new perspectives
Improve his own giveback
Networking

For mentees :
Felt quicker integrated within IBM
Helpful to develop skills, getting feedback
Getting a better knowledge of career paths / perspectives
Networking