| Mentoring is a relationship that is established with | | | | - Invite the potential mentor to lunch or coffee to |
| someone who is an expert in their field. The mentor | | | | discuss your intention. Mentors appreciate the |
| is usually older and more experienced than the | | | | recognition, and are willing to share their knowledge |
| mentee. The mentor shares their experiences, and | | | | and wisdom. |
| the lessons they have learned. But the relationship | | | | - At the meeting, effectively communicate your need |
| benefits both the mentor and the mentee. The | | | | for a mentor, your vision of the future. Define the |
| mentor benefits from the opportunity to strengthen | | | | relationship and why you would like this person to be |
| their leadership skills. The mentee receives career | | | | your career mentor. |
| guidance and helpful career advice to prepare for the | | | | - Find out how involved the potential mentor wants |
| next level in their career. | | | | to be in this relationship. |
| Many companies have formal mentoring programs in | | | | - Give them a chance to think about it - tell them |
| place for matching new employees with those | | | | you will get back to them in a couple of days. |
| already established in their career. If you are choosing | | | | 4. The Relationship: |
| your own mentors here are five tips to ensure a | | | | - Set up the parameters of the relationship together, |
| successful relationship: | | | | how often, when & where you will meet, and the |
| 1. A good career mentor: | | | | length of the meeting. |
| - Is knowledgeable in their field | | | | - Respect your mentor's time. Show up on time for |
| - Is generous and honest with advice | | | | your meetings. If you have to cancel your meeting, |
| - Is a good communicator | | | | give at least 24 hours notice. |
| - Is committed to the relationship | | | | - Set up boundaries for phone calls. Between |
| - Will get to know their mentee: her/his capabilities, | | | | meetings call only if absolutely necessary. |
| interests and goals | | | | - Use your scheduled meetings effectively by |
| - Will make recommendations for the mentee's | | | | organizing your materials and the topics you would |
| career development and path | | | | like to discuss. |
| - Will create learning opportunities and heighten the | | | | - Pay for your own meals and drinks or offer to pick |
| mentee's career | | | | up the tab for your mentor's meal. |
| - Will introduce the mentee to key people and | | | | - If you are given an assignment, complete it on time. |
| professional organizations | | | | - Show your appreciation by offering to help your |
| 2. Choosing a career mentor: | | | | mentor in any way possible. Send a thank-you e-mail |
| - Choose someone you admire | | | | communicating how this relationship has helped you |
| - Look outside your immediate work area - maybe | | | | or send a gift to recognize a special day for your |
| your boss's boss. | | | | mentor. |
| - Choose someone in another area of your | | | | - Recognize when the relationship is winding down, |
| organization who has had a career path similar to | | | | communicate this, and wrap it up. If you would like to |
| your goal. | | | | stay in touch with occasional updates of your career |
| - Find multiple mentors (I have clients working with | | | | successes, clear it with your mentor at the end of |
| more than one mentor in a formal relationship). | | | | the relationship. |
| To find a career mentor outside of your organization, | | | | - Obtain approval from your mentor before using |
| join professional associations where you can meet | | | | them as a reference. |
| senior people and executives in your field. | | | | There are many benefits to a career mentorship, for |
| 3. Setting up the Mentor/Mentee Relationship: | | | | both parties. Mentees gain the benefit of someone's |
| - Before seeking a mentor's assistance, make a plan. | | | | experience to help them navigate their career |
| What do you expect from your mentor? What do | | | | development. Mentors have the opportunity to |
| you want to focus on? How much time do want to | | | | reflect on their careers. Having clear goals and |
| commit to this relationship? It is important for you to | | | | communicating these will ensure that the experience |
| be clear about your expectations for your own | | | | is positive and productive. |
| benefit and in order to communicate this to your | | | | Copyright 2007, Cecile Peterkin. |
| potential mentor. | | | | |