Our Top 8 Tips for New Mentees
Congratulations – you have a mentor! Whether you're in a workplace mentoring program or have an incredible informal mentor, you are ready to excel in your mentoring journey. Leverage these simple 8 tips to build trust and connection with your mentor.
Meet regularly. Consistent meetings are the fuel you need to accelerate your mentoring journey. It’s the #1 predictor of winning mentoring relationships. As a mentee, it’s your job to schedule ongoing meetings with your mentor.
Prepare an agenda. With a prepared agenda for each meeting, you’re likely to stay on task and optimize the time you have together. Ask your mentor if (and when) he/she would like you to send your agenda to them prior to your 1:1s.
Be considerate of your mentor’s time. Mentors take time out of their day to help you develop. Minimize time wasters. Give plenty of notice if you need to reschedule a session. Return calls, texts, IM, e-mails, etc. within 24-hours.
Own your learning. Take time to identify your development activities. Then, take action on these! Plan to actively growing outside of your mentoring conversations. Your mentor will give tools and guidance, but ultimately, you drive your learning.
Show gratitude. Express appreciation for your mentor’s assistance. Say thanks, praise him/her, write a note, etc. Tell your mentor when they’re doing a great job. Explain how you've utilized their help to make decisions.
Develop trust. In a mentoring relationship, trust is developed over time and often is fostered in between your meetings. Do what you say you will. Follow up and let your mentor know how your development activities and actions are taking shape between your 1:1 meetings.
Be open to feedback. It’s a gift! Make it easy for your mentor to give you positive and corrective feedback. Ask for it early. Share how you most appreciate feedback. Be honest if you need something to change and let them know if you don’t understand their point.
Take risks. Your mentor may push you out of your comfort zone. Embrace this! Trying on new behaviors, mindsets and skills is where learning happens. Give yourself permission to make mistakes in the space of mentoring. View any missteps as information to be better next time.