Setting goals is an important step in a mentoring relationship, but following through with those aims is even more crucial. Frequent "check ups" and meetings can help. By agreeing to be accountable to his or her mentor, a protégé can become more motivated to accomplish tasks.
Mentoring, although rewarding, requires dedication and hard work. Corporations can reward mentors through promotion or mentoring retreats. Academic institutions can hold dinners for their mentors, or provide them with extra conference funding. Making mentors feel wanted is important to the success of any mentoring program, and encourages mentors to continue their work long into the future.
Go into your mentoring conversation with an idea of what you want to talk about. The mentor and the protégé should both prepare beforehand with questions and points that they want addressed.
Mentoring is a great opportunity for both individuals in the partnership to grow, and an amazing way to make a lifelong connection.
It's always important to know your strengths and weaknesses as a mentor. Use a mentoring skills inventory to help evaluate yourself. Once you are aware of areas that need growth, work on trying to make improvements through working with your mentee. Click the link to see an example inventory document from sciencecareers.sciencemag.org
Honesty is essential in any mentoring relationship. If you disagree with your mentoring partners opinions, let him or her know in a respectful manner.
Remember that learning from your mentor does not necessarily mean imitating your mentor. Recognizing your differences while at the same time learning from their success is usually best.
As a mentor, take personal interest in your mentee. Learn their goals, aspirations, and desires. Legitimate care for your protégé can help ensure future success.
As a mentor, think carefully about feedback you want to give to your protégé. Try to create a balance between positive encouragement, and critiques on areas that need improvement.
Discuss expectations. Talk about how often you will meet with your mentor, and what you want to accomplish.
