Superior Mentoring: Re-Thinking the Mentoring of Academics

Mentoring has long been a cornerstone of academic life. Yet in today's complex, diverse and rapidly changing university environment, traditional approaches centring on the transfer of advice are no longer enough.

In Superior Mentoring, organisational psychologist Mark Douglas re-thinks the mentoring of academics by integrating the structured, insight-driven practices of executive coaching with the experience-based guidance of senior scholars. The result is a practical and intellectually grounded approach termed Academic Navigation - a model that balances thoughtful questioning with carefully considered advice.

At the centre of this approach is the ORGaNISE framework, a clear and adaptable structure that guides mentoring conversations from goal-setting through to action and implementation. Supported by powerful, open-ended questioning techniques, this model helps mentees develop clarity, take ownership of their decisions, and create realistic plans for their academic careers.

Drawing on decades of experience working with research leaders and institutions, Mark also explores how mentoring systems can be designed, implemented and extended - both within universities and through external partnerships.

This concise and highly practical booklet offers a fresh perspective for academics, research leaders and institutions seeking to strengthen mentoring capability and better support career development in higher education.