I became a mentor about six years into my current occupation of professional development consultant and trainer. It’s hard to remember the specifics of those first few discussions with my mentee because we’ve grown together and shared so many experiences since then. Besides getting to know her, I’ve learned a lot about myself through the process.
I’m convinced you’ll have a similar positive experience. To help get you started on the right footing, here are four things you should know about becoming a mentor.
1. You may not feel qualified. It’s natural to doubt yourself and your ability to mentor another adult. But, if someone wants you to mentor them, that means they think you’re qualified (which probably means you are!). Don’t let humility or a lack of confidence stand in the way of starting and developing a mutually beneficial relationship with someone in your field. I can’t overstate how good it feels to add value to someone’s career merely by listening to and talking with them.
2. Set clear expectations about purpose and time from the beginning. There’s a textbook definition of mentoring; nevertheless, people have different ideas of what a mentor could do for them. Mentees might be looking for (1) guidance (“I suggest you do this… and don’t do this…”), (2) a sounding board for ideas, (3) a “door-opener” (someone who can introduce them to key people in the organization or field), or (4) a motivator. All of those are acceptable roles for a mentor, but you should ask your mentee what specifically they’re looking for to make sure you fulfill their needs.
You also need to be clear about how much time you can offer your mentee, either on a weekly or monthly basis. Examine your schedule and decide what you can realistically give. (I suggest picking a day, time, and method of meeting; then, calendar it and stick to it—no excuses!) And be clear about whether you’re amenable to spontaneous interactions (e.g., if your mentee feels the need for a chat before your next scheduled meeting).
3. Be open to the relationship evolving over time. This has been one of the most gratifying parts of being a mentor. As my mentee grew, my role changed from advice-giver to coach (asking more questions rather than providing solutions) and cheerleader (“You’ve got this!”).
I really don’t consider myself a mentor anymore—we’re just colleagues. We ask each other for advice, edit each other’s curriculum and articles, offer mutual moral support, and brainstorm together. We have grown individually and as a unit, and that’s a beautiful thing!
4. It’s worth it! Anytime you can do good for another person, you’re helping yourself, too. This is basic, but it feels good to be helpful—and we can all use a bit more “feel good” nowadays.
I’ll end by saying… “This article has been reviewed and approved by my mentee.” 💕
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