Manager2Manager

Hello!
In the current thrust for ANCC Magnet Recognition Program ® designation, there is alot of conversation about Peer Mentorship programs. I completely support peer mentorship, and especially new graduate mentorship.

However, in the midst of reading mentorship material, it occurred to me that I am not seeing many ideas in the way of manager mentorship. I was hired into my current organization as a departmental manager. Although I had management experience, I didn't have it in THIS organization. Thankfully, I was already acquainted with one their managers, and she became my MRP. That was my secret tagline for Management Resource Person! In fact, we're still friends to this day and I still call her MRP!

In my present position focusing on employee retention, I have first-hand knowledge of both staff and management turnover and how long it takes to fill positions. I'm developing a program with the working title Manager2Manager. I'd like to see an initiative where experienced managers could volunteer to be a mentor to a newer manager. Tasks like the online self-scheduling program for staff, online payroll processes, and applicable HR policies for specific employee issues would be key items to cover. What a great way to demonstrate performance worthy of designation - mentorship for both staff and management!

What programs work well for retaining YOUR managers?? 
Or, what would you have liked to cover with someone when you began your management career?