Staff mentorship is essential for building strong teams, retaining employees, and keeping them engaged with an organization’s vision. When leaders invest in mentorship, they create environments where people grow, collaborate, and thrive.
The Head2Head (H2H) initiative recently hosted a staff mentorship and retention session at Kings Christian Learning Academy, bringing together educators, leaders, and change-makers for an interactive experience focused on reflection and practical learning.
The session was led by Michael Katagaya, Founder of Evidence and Methods Lab Uganda, civic leader, and social entrepreneur, alongside education advocate Grace Kabatangare. Grace shared her education journey and facilitated an interactive exercise using everyday teaching tools to demonstrate relationship dynamics in classrooms and workplaces.
Michael guided discussions on team dynamics, organizational culture, and staff motivation, addressing topics such as non-monetary retention strategies, conflict management, and inter-generational engagement. Participants took part in job interview role-plays and reflective exercises identifying non-negotiables from both employer and employee perspectives, including leave policies, timely pay, respect, mentorship, work-life balance, integrity, accountability, feedback, and alignment with organizational values.
The session also explored why employees leave, often due to limited growth, toxic environments, or poor leadership and what helps them stay, such as recognition, strong culture, and visionary mentorship. Michael emphasized growth-focused mentorship, introducing practical approaches like peer buddy systems, job shadowing, and monthly check-ins.
The gathering concluded with reflections led by Shallon Mugabe, recognizing participants who completed Head2Head’s “Transformation Tables” and encouraging leaders to replicate these efforts in their schools with support from the Franklyn Institute and Dr. Ann Mugunga. Members received tokens of appreciation, closing a session that inspired participants to strengthen teams and drive lasting impact within Uganda’s education community.
LESSONS:
Building better teams is more than management, it’s mentorship.
Strong organizations grow when leaders invest in people, culture, and meaningful relationships.
👥 Who are you leading?
🌱 How are you supporting their growth?
🤝 What systems are you putting in place to help them thrive?
From peer mentoring and job shadowing to open feedback and recognition, sustainable teams are built through trust, learning, and shared values. When mentorship is growth-focused and culture-driven, retention follows naturally.
QUESTION: What makes you stay committed to a workplace: mentorship, recognition, culture, or growth opportunities?
👇 Share your thoughts below
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