Mentoring can be: 

(A) One of the life’s most rewarding acts for a mentor
(B) An invaluable gift for a protégé (mentee)
(C) A priceless experience for both
(D) All of the above
(E) None of the above

The response that best completes the above statement is “Yes”. In terms of desired outcomes, chaordic mentoring can be an effective organizational and personal intervention. Chaordic processes exist on the boundary of chaos and order. Surprising lessons learned around the viability of mentoring programs & processes will be shared. You are invited to participate in experiential learning and to test the presenter’s hypothesis that one may derive benefit from mentoring, even without a clear understanding of what “mentoring” is. Come investigate the differences between mentoring, teaching, training, coaching, and counseling. Explore whether a mentoring relationship makes sense for you or for your organization.

Facilitator Ross Schifo, RODP will come to us with an MS-MOB (with OD Concentration) from Benedictine University, a BS Electrical Engineering from Bradley University, and over 25 years of success as a leader, manager, and change agent. His OD experience has been diverse (i.e., from assessment to transorganizational systems). But, the passion that led Ross to develop this interactive workshop was his enjoyment of helping individuals and organizations tap their hidden power. One colleague referred to this as Ross’ ability to, “. . . see diamonds where others see only lumps of coal”. 

Among the clients he has consulted to are ABB, American Power Conference, BC Hydro, ComEd, Exelon, IEEE-PES, Meade Electric, Pirelli, and Raymond Professional Group. Ross is living the collaborative values he helps his clients develop. At a regional level, he is presently on the Boards of both ODN/C and CODIC (Chicago OD Institute Chapter). At a national level, he is Co-Chairing the OD Institute’s 34th Annual Information Exchange in Chicago, May 19- 21, 2004. He also recently met with the ODN Board in Portland to share ideas around increasing the market for OD by promoting OD within the business community.