Agreeing to mentor…
When it works well, the mentor-mentee relationship can be rewarding for both parties. But how do you find a career mentor or decide whether to accept a new mentee? This is what I’ve learned.
#1 Before agreeing to mentor someone an initial meeting is essential. I have mentored people to achieve a specific technical goal (physics chartership) and others for more general career/life coaching. Typically, a prospective mentee has reached out to me, but before agreeing we always chat first. It’s vital that I know what mentoring the person is looking for and for me to share my skills so they can judge if I’d be a good fit for them.
#2 Don’t take on more mentees than your time allows. It can be flattering when someone asks you to mentor them but it’s important to be realistic. Have many mentees do you already have and does your schedule allow for the addition of another? It is far better to decline, then meet and take someone on only to do a poor job.
#3 Set your mentoring rules. How often will you meet with your mentee, can they contact you and expect a reply between sessions, will you require them to keep a meeting logbook, will the meetings be in person, are you going to have a trial period where you can both check it is working? Considering these aspects at the start can help ensure a smooth start to a new mentor/mentee relationship.
#4 Try to have more than one mentee! If you are only mentoring one person, then you have no other experiences to compare with. If things don’t work out you may automatically feel it is your fault, when perhaps it is just that one mentoring arrangement.
#5 Finally don’t be hurt if you are declined. On paper you may have looked a great fit for a prospective mentee, but sometimes after that first meeting the mentee, or you, may elect to walk away. Being honest at the start can prevent a poor mentor-mentee arrangement.
Perhaps you are a mentor already, or on the lookout for one! The video out this week on the Dr CST channel is all about mentoring – so do hop over to YouTube and leave me a comment 😊 I’d love to hear your views on career mentoring.
Caroline, Dr CST