Exploring Group Loops: Going Beyond Traditional
One-to-One Mentoring

with Joel Bowler,
Mentoring Program Manager,
DAMA

Mentorloop Impact Award Winner 2024

"One of the key features we’ve embraced is Mentorloop’s Group Loops, which allow certified data management professionals (CDMPs) to engage in a variety of focused conversations and share expertise with mentees across the organisation. "

Challenges Before Mentorloop: Manual Matching and Administrative Burdens

Before we partnered with Mentorloop, our mentoring program faced several challenges. We relied on manual processes, primarily matching mentors and mentees through Excel spreadsheets, which made it difficult to ensure accurate matches. Constantly managing expectations, reassessing pairings, and manually handling participant queries were time-consuming. In some cases, participants dropped from the program when the one-to-one matches weren’t quite right. This manual approach made it difficult to scale the program and limited our ability to provide real-time support.

Empowering Participants and Growing Our Program

Since adopting Mentorloop, our mentoring program has experienced a significant transformation. Now in our second year, we’ve reached full capacity, with a waiting list of participants eager to join. Our Mentor Quality Score (MQS) stands at an impressive 4.82, reflecting the positive impact the platform has had on our participants.

One of the key features we’ve embraced is Group Loops, which allow Certified Data Management Professionals (CDMPs) to engage in a variety of focused conversations and share expertise with mentees across the organization. Group Loops have been instrumental in fostering a collaborative environment, enabling participants to connect around specific topics and share knowledge more effectively.

Additionally, participants are empowered to “choose their own adventure” by deciding whether they want to be a mentor, a mentee, or even both. This flexibility has been a game-changer, giving individuals the autonomy to define their roles and engage with the program in a way that suits their development needs.

Ensuring Equal Access: A Mentoring Program for All DAMA Members

At DAMA Australia, we’ve ensured that all members have equal access to our mentoring program. Every member with a valid membership number can subscribe, and we’ve actively promoted the program through LinkedIn, email campaigns, and our website. Corporate members are also eligible, as long as they provide their organization’s membership number. As demand continues to grow, we’re considering expanding our capacity to accommodate even more participants.

Building a Culture of Mentoring:
Modern Tools, Empowered Participants

Mentorloop has allowed us to embrace modern mentoring practices that go beyond traditional one-to-one mentoring. With tools like self-matching and Group Loops, participants have more control over their mentoring journeys, which has fostered a culture of empowerment and engagement. I’ve enjoyed watching participants take ownership of their growth, and the platform’s structure enables me to focus on big-picture goals rather than getting bogged down in administrative tasks.

We’ve also invested in our leadership by supporting CDMP mentors who run Group Loops, ensuring they have the tools and guidance needed to lead effectively. This leadership group is crucial in creating a collaborative environment where participants feel supported and can thrive.

Future Plans: Scaling and Expanding the Program

Looking forward, we’re focused on growth. We are considering upgrading our Mentorloop license to accommodate more DAMA members and exploring the possibility of expanding the program to other chapters globally. As the program continues to grow, I plan to build a stronger working group to support the program’s expansion. While I’ve been managing it largely on my own, I’m excited to tap into additional resources and leadership within DAMA to further strengthen our mentoring initiative.

Overall, Mentorloop has been a game-changer for DAMA Australia, allowing us to run a successful mentoring program that continues to grow and positively impact our community.