17 Mentoring Today Those who began their careers in an industrial era workplace have had to adjust to how work is accomplished in today's global, green, information- driven, high-tech era. They might need to replace outdated beliefs, behaviors, and attitudes with those that are more relevant in today's workplace. Many of those currently entering the workforce know only the current standards and are not bound by the old ways of doing things. These two extremes present an opportunity for different mindsets to learn from each other. Mentoring can help workers adapt and learn the best practices. The global, green, information-driven, high-tech era is characterized by: 1. Fewer layers of management: a "flat" organizational structure. 2. A more flexible, adaptive, and change-oriented culture. 3. Mentoring used as a key strategic tool for workforce development, career and succession planning, and personal growth. 4. The use of mentoring as a competitive recruitment and retention tool. 5. More decision making by those closest to the customer and closest to where the actual work is done. 6. Seeking and supporting ideas throughout all organizational sectors. 7. Fast tracking the flow of skills, knowledge, and ideas from the point of origin to where they are needed. 8. Active search for diversity of thought, demographics, and skills. 9. A more deliberate process for matching mentees with mentors who have the expertise and abilities for a successful mentoring experience. 10. Increased willingness and ability to communicate throughout the organization at all levels and at multiple locations, often globally. 11. The concept of job security is based more on mutuality and the value that a person is able to (continually) add. Mentoring in today's workplace is vastly different from how it was done in the industrial era. Before we discuss those changes, complete the following brief exercise. 1: The Heart of the Mentoring Relationship