Though out our career we can be approached by others who ask, “Will you mentor me?” This flattering question often appeals to our ego and we quickly agree feeling very honored by their question. Too often we agree before giving this a lot of thought and consideration of the time and effort required to be a good mentor. If you do agree to be a mentor at work, on a program or informally here are some guidelines that may help you become a great mentor.
Be open and honest with your mentee
Set up an agreement from the first meeting that you will always come from an honest space and you expect them to do the same. Mentoring is not about making friends; it is about sharing your wisdom and experience.
Give your mentee your undivided attention when meeting with them.
If you commit to spending time with them, don’t be distracted by your surroundings or mobile phone.
Provide tasks or actions for the mentee to complete between meetings.
Give them activities, challenges and questions to think about and complete between your mentoring sessions.
Provide examples of your work or previous learnings for mentees
As you have committed to honesty, share your good and bad experiences. Share your templates and tools with them to assist them develop their own intellectual property (they might develop something you may like to use too!)
Suggest resources, books, websites or networks your mentee might benefit from.
Share your opinions of books, websites you find valuable or networks you might enjoy. This will help guide them in how to spend their time and money.
Introduce your mentee to others in your network or business
Fast track their career with introductions to influential and valuable people you believe they can learn from or be exposed to for future opportunity.
Promote your mentee to others when appropriate
Don’t forget if you are in a situation where you can recommend their talents or services to someone this will benefit them.
Agree what is acceptable to discuss and what is not
From the first meeting make an agreement on behaviours, confidentiality and boundaries you may have.
Maintain confidentiality
Keep all relevant discussions between you and your mentee private.
Establish contact guidelines for the mentee
If you don’t want to be contacted outside your agreed monthly meetings make that clear to your mentee. Discuss what times are appropriate to be contacted i.e. within business hours, on email.
Agree on a length of time for the mentoring
Commit to 6 or 12 months and agree to a monthly meeting for this length of time. This gives both parties an understanding of the commitment you are making.
Mentoring is a rewarding activity for both you and the mentee – it is a great way to give back while sharing your experiences and wisdom.
