Maximize Your Mentorship
Did you know, 63% of women have never had a formal mentor? When you are presented with an opportunity to cultivate a mentorship relationship, you are at an advantage.
So, how do you make the most of the mentorship? A common misconception about mentoring is that your mentor will tell you what to do and steer the sessions. When in fact, the best mentees take responsibility for the relationship and remember that the more they sow, the more it and they will blossom.
Preparation is Key
Be intentional about your growth. This is crucial as it reflects your dedication to the mentoring relationship and your personal development. Good mentees will have really considered why they want a mentor, and have an idea of what they're hoping to gain from it. This means they start the relationship on the right foot, and can keep track of their progress.
Put some time into preparing this before your first session so you're ready to discuss it articulately when you meet. Present your goals and be clear about what areas you need help with. This is also a good opportunity to bring up any expectations you have about the mentoring process and how it will work. Having this prepared will leave a great first impression.
Be Curious
You are only one great question from unlocking your mentor’s expertise. Ask insightful questions. A mentorship relationship can be a vulnerable space, but good mentors are willing and ready to help you navigate new ideas and challenges. Mastering the art of asking good questions is also a great leadership quality, your mentoring sessions are a perfect time to start honing your communication skills.
Keeping a running note of questions is another way to prepare for sessions. Here are a few examples to get you help get you thinking:
"What is the most important leadership lesson you’ve learned, and how is it valuable?"
“How did you break into your industry?”
"Can you tell me about a time when you had a difficult boss? How did you handle it?
"How did you build the skills of speaking so engagingly in front of others?"
"How can I become better at managing people who do not report to me?"
"How did you learn to embrace failure?"
Action-forward Thinking
Create an action plan & execute. Make sure you are taking notes at every mentoring session so you can create a plan to hit your goals. Your mentor may help with this, but you should be the one driving it.
Write yourself a list of actions before the end of every session. By running these actions by your mentor, you're inviting them to hold you accountable. Did you know, by writing down your goals, the more likely you are to achieve them?
Mentors often open doors for their mentees via introductions to their network or referrals. Cultivating a brand of execution is one of many ways to showcase your talents and diligence — a sure way to gain your mentor’s stamp of approval.
If your mentor opens doors for you, make sure you sprint through them. By introducing you to people in their network, they are personally vouching for you and your abilities. Don't tarnish that by being reactive or slow to respond.
Ask for Feedback & Reflect
As a mentee you should be open to advising, training, and counseling. Feedback is a gift and your mentor has tons of experience in their field.
Reflect on your accomplishments and share any learnings with your mentor. There’s nothing more rewarding for a mentor than seeing their advice come into practice and you growing as a result of it, so make sure to keep them in the loop with your progress. It's also nice to show your appreciation by sending your mentor a thank you message or LinkedIn shoutout.
Another way to be a good mentee is not only being open to feedback, but actively asking for it. Asking for feedback shows a hunger to learn and improve, which is a stand out characteristic of a good mentee.
Try open ended questions on a specific topic, such as:
"Which parts of my approach to teamwork concern you the most?"
"What do you think is working and not working in my pitch?"
"What could I do differently that would have the greatest impact on my success?"
Remember to not take negative feedback personally. Rather, see it as a personal challenge to improve!
Take the Lead & Follow Up
Your mentoring relationship is about you achieving your goals, so don't expect your mentor to drive it. You need to take ownership of the relationship and you'll get out what you put in!
Make sure to always log notes from your meetings and follow up immediately after with a summary of the session, a list of your actions and any ways they can support you.
Lastly, never end a mentoring session without booking in the next one to keep up momentum.
Source: Guider AI