You've either chosen a mentor/ mentee or been given one, and you want to make it a success for you both.
So the first couple of interactions where you set up the relationship are key. Following a request from a reader of this blog (thank you Leonie!), this week I'll share some tips to help you achieve this.
There's a big difference between approaching someone to be your mentor/ mentee and being given one. So I'll do a couple of blogs on this so you get both perspectives.
Firstly, I'll assume you've volunteered and been matched with someone.
In this situation, your first meeting will be a 'get to know you' type session. This is key because, like any relationship, you need to find some mutual ground early on.
Here's some points to cover early on:
- what's in it for you both? Ask them why they want support/ offered support and explain your response to this too. It alleviates early mentee nerves if they know their mentor is supporting them by choice and through genuine interest. And it reassures a mentor that this will be worth their time and energy.
- at the first meeting, go for collaborative coaching style questions e.g. why did you choose your current role? If you could do any job, what would it be? What's your proudest career moment to date? Asking questions like this will help you establish an understanding of each other faster
- at the end of this first meeting you should be at a stage where you're helping to co-create your mentor relationship goals. There may be a very specific need (e.g. an interview coming up you can work on together) or more general career guidance. Setting SMART goals means you can track progress
- at the end of the first meeting you also want to give each other the opportunity to call it quits if either 1) you've answered the need in one session or 2) you don't get on. These aren't relationships to force for brownie points at work. If it ain't a good fit, thank each other for their time and if you're the mentor, potentially suggest someone else in your network who can help.
Next week I'll share some tips on how to identify a mentor and convince them you're worth their investment.
I love hearing from you all. Keep the questions and blog ideas coming. And great to hear if you've used these tips to kick off a mentor/ mentee relationship.
P.S. Exciting news!!! I'm creating online self-study resources that will support you in taking the next step in your career - great for anyone who isn’t ready to invest in working with a Coach 1-1.
The first resource I launch will be FREE - I'll share with you how to access it via this blog in late November so keep an eye out :)
I believe your next role is in your existing network - the free audio and workbook I share will help you leverage your contacts to find it.