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