Tips for mentors and mentees
Build Trust and Be Respectful
Trust is one of the most essential components of the mentee-mentor relationship. Simple ways to build trust and show respect include:
- Keeping information confidential unless the mentor and mentee agree to do otherwise
- Always being well-mannered
- Completing tasks
- Establishing trust and respect can increase mentor’s confidence to create professional and developmental contacts for mentees
- Having a regard for each other’s time and commitment
Set Expectations It is important to discuss expectations for the mentorship programme. Four simple ways to manage expectations are:
- Establish a mutual agreement
- Identify clear roles and responsibilities n the mentee-mentor relationship
- Communicate and agree on these expectations
- Evaluate periodically as needed
Set Goals
Goals provide clarity on what needs to be achieved from the mentorship programme. Goals must be:
- SMART
- Clear
- Focused
Be Committed
Be mindful that the mentorship programme is a commitment. Commitment can be observed in the following ways:
- Regular communication
- Offering suggestions
- Offering feedback
- Meeting agreed goals
- Being punctual
Be Open Minded
Learning from each other can foster growth. Open-mindedness can be achieved through:
Learning from each other can foster growth. Open-mindedness can be achieved through:
- Offering respectful and encouraging advice
- Offering candid feedback
- Listening attentively to and working on feedback given
- Normalizing offering feedback
Have a Positive Attitude
Stay positive throughout the entire experience. This is important. Simple ways to show gratitude include:
- Saying thank you
- Offering feedback about ways that you are growing
- Sharing ways in which the relationship has been helpful
- Sharing updated outcomes from relevant projects
