6 Simple Steps How To Get The Most Out Of Your Mentor Relationship

Wikipedia defines mentorship as “a relationship in which a more experienced or more knowledgeable person helps to guide a less experienced or less knowledgeable person.” As you can see the keyword is a relationship.

Research has revealed that mentoring relationships succeed and are beneficial for both parties when both the mentor and the mentee have an active role in building the relationship.

That brings up the question of how to build a successful mentor relationship and get the most of it.

#1 Get To Know Each Other

When you meet your mentor for the first time, it could be like a first date, all with silent and awkward moments.

To avoid that, break the ice by sharing your hobbies and exploring things you have in common. It’s an excellent way to get to know each other. Also, it’s crucial to determine the preferred channel of communication and the best time to talk. These ground rules will be a solid foundation for effective mentorship communication.

#2 Make A Plan

As Benjamin Franklin says: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” Therefore a proper preparation is a key to getting the most of your mentorship program. Make sure you write down the answers to these questions:

• What do you wish to achieve at your workplace?
• Where do you see yourself in five years from now?
• Which skills do you need to develop?

These responses will be themes of your mentor meetings and guidelines to track your progress.

#3 Meet Regularly

During the program, mentor and mentee should have regular meetings. It’s important to establish a meeting schedule and stick to your agenda.

Likewise, to get the most out of those meetings, make sure you come prepared. Think about topics you would like to cover and what you’d like to accomplish at the meeting. Remember, you get out only what you put into the mentorship program.

#4 Have Small Touch-Bases

It takes time to build a good relationship; it doesn’t happen overnight. Creating strong bonds requires some additional efforts.

This means that you should dedicate some extra time to your mentor or mentee apart from having regular meetings. In other words, reach out whenever you have some useful information to share whether it is an interesting book or article you’re reading or some networking event to attend.

#5 Go Beyond

When the time comes to put an end to your mentoring, it doesn’t mean that you should put an end to the contact with your mentor or mentee. It’s not like you’re breaking up.

It’s a good idea to thank your mentor for helping you and give positive feedback about the whole experience. Sending holiday cards, occasional emails or scheduling dinner after work can be a great way to stay in touch.

#6 Give Your Contribution

After learning a lot being a mentee, it’s nice to give something in return once the mentorship program is over. The best way to give your contribution is to give a hand with program growth. This includes sharing your impressions with your colleagues and management, writing an endorsement that organization can use for promotion or becoming alumni who will actively participate in different events. When you’re ready, you can close the circle and become a mentor.

Linda Rodgers, a mentor and content writer at ProEssayWriting, highlights perfectly the importance of mentorship: “Establishing a good mentor relationship is crucial for effective and open communication which is necessary for every further progress. In that way, the mentor can share the right advice and connections that are essential for mentees professional growth that they wouldn’t be able to achieve by themselves.”

Successful Mentorship Practices

Deloitte is engaged in developing future leaders. Their mentorship program lasts two years, and every participant gets a mentor whose assignment is to drive mentees career and help them navigate the organization. The duration of this program ensures a strong and reliable mentoring relationship.

Intel focuses on particular knowledge and skills transfer which are currently in demand. Their program is less formal, so it results in more organic connections. All participants are pretty autonomous which contributes to better engagement with the program.

KPMG helps their employees before, during and after their CPA exam (Certified public accountant). That way, they invest in their workers, but at the same time help them achieve their professional goals.

Final Thoughts

Building a strong mentoring relationship is the main precondition for the successful mentorship program. It takes some time and effort, but it will pay off in the long run. Only that way you’ll gain real benefits and insights to advance at work.

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