Mentoring Circles
Dialogue, Mentor, Learn
In 2003, Fluor first implemented its Mentoring Circles Program to give employees broader exposure to leadership in a team-based setting that allows for informal dialogue, mentoring, and learning across the circle. It is designed to further enhance collaborative conversations and employee development throughout the organization.
By offering a setting where leaders mentor informal groups, the program provides participants with:
- A heightened knowledge and awareness of the company
- Exposure to a variety of perspectives
- An expanded network of colleagues
Fluor Mentoring Circles diverge from the traditional one-to-one mentoring approach. Instead, the mentor interacts with a small group of mentees for a one-year commitment. Mentors become diversity and inclusion “champions,” people who are committed to inclusion and high levels of employee engagement. Each group meets regularly to discuss meaningful and relevant issues pertaining to topics such as the company vision, the work environment, and career development. More than 1,000 mentees and 100 mentors around the world have participated in this program.
Showcased in the July 23, 2007 issue of FORTUNE magazine, Fluor received recognition as a smart company, featuring the Mentoring Circles Program as an example of how the company provides networking opportunities for employees. Quoted in the article, Karen Vari, Global Workforce Diversity and Inclusion Executive, comments, “Ours is a proactive, engagement-oriented opportunity to improve communication. Its purpose is to create more teamwork and shared knowledge through personal interaction between employees and management.” This program was also featured as a “Case Study” in the Best Practices in HR newsletter November 18, 2006 issue.
