Which Interpersonal Relationship Would Be Best?

Interpersonal relationships are an essential component of employee development. Not only can you learn from supervisors, but also from peers, subordinates, and many others with whom you might interact in an organization. A network of individuals to interact with provides information, support, and resources to improve one's skills and learning on the job. Two types of interpersonal relationships in organizations are mentors and coaches.

In this exercise, please read the mini-case and answer the questions that follow.

George Lopez is a middle-level manager at Reality Mortgage. The company has identified him as a high-potential employee and would like to offer some sort of assistance to help him reach that potential. It wants to put him on a special project where he can be provided guidance and where certain skills and behaviors can be emphasized. Each week, the company would like George to demonstrate a particular leadership skill. For example, in the second week, it expects George to concentrate on networking skills by contacting local community government agencies to develop building contracts and housing plans. The organizational goal in providing someone to work with George is to develop his management skills to a level that will lead to effective performance in a senior management role.

What benefits should Georges mentor expect from this type of relationship?

Multiple Choice

• increased self-esteem, worth to company, and interpersonal abilities

• higher compensation, greater benefits, and more exposure to senior managment

• the opportunity to offer George a position in his/her work unit

• formal symbolic recognition from the company

What is the term when a mentor serves as a friend and role model to the protg?

Multiple Choice

• career support

• psychosocial support

• coach

• organizational guru