Effective, active listening is an integral part of any effective mentoring relationship. But listening is just one part of the mentoring conversation, asking good questions can be just as important. Mentors should be sure to ask plenty of broad, open-ended questions that will elicit good responses. If applicable, follow up these questions with a "how?" or a "why?" to help uncover the reasoning behind a protégés ideas. Be sure to follow up questions with careful, active listening. 

In order to build a lasting and trusting mentoring relationship, it is essential for the mentor and mentee to maintain a degree of confidentiality. A close and relatively private atmosphere will encourage frank and honest discussion between the mentoring pair. 

A key element of successful mentoring taking time to talk about both successful and unsuccessful past experiences. When a mentor shares events from his or her past, the protégé can learn methods to improve their own chances of success, and pitfalls to avoid in the future. 

As a mentor, it's a good idea to maintain a professional image for your mentee. Especially in workplace based mentoring relationships, a mentee will often view the mentor as a blueprint for achieving sucess. Mentors can use their own professional accomplishments and career to help guide their protégé towards acheiving their goals. 

Mentoring doesn't just have to consist of discussions between a mentor and mentee. Try role playing, attend a special event or conference, or brainstorm ideas on paper. Varying what you do in a mentoring reltionship can help keep things interesting and enhance learning. 

When looking for a mentor,  expand your search to areas outside of your workplace. Mentors can be found in community groups, non-profits and local organizations. 

Individuals in mentoring relationships should take punctuality seriousely. Show up on time to meetings with your mentor, and try your hardest to meet previousely set deadlines. If conflicts come up, try to give your mentor as much advance notice as possible.

The world doesn't have enough dedicated, hard working mentors. As a mentor, it's great if you put a lot of effort into your protégé. However, don't overstep your limits when it comes to mentoring. Every mentor should have the right to their own personal time: don't let your mentoring relationship rule your life. Try to find a good balance when it comes to mentoring, and make sure that you are spending the appropriate amount of time with your mentee. 

It's no secret that mentoring can be difficult at times. It's important for mentors and mentees alike to power through setbacks with a positive attitude. Mentors should assist protégés with finding solutions to issues without negativity, and mentees should work through problems while trying to remaining positive. Encouragement from your mentoring partner can make hard times much easier to conquer. 

Your resume is the first thing that your employer reads about you, so it's essential that it creates a good impression. Mentors can be a great resource for resume improvement; work with them to make sure that your resume shows you in your best light. Don't forget to update your LinkedIn profile to match any changes that you make!