1. Be a friend, not a parent or authority figure. Mentors are trusted guides helping young people make positive decisions, form their own values, and realize their potential.
2. Have realistic goals and expectations. Mentors understand that change doesn’t happen overnight and that setbacks occur. Mentors empower young people to reach the goals set in their YouthBuild Life Plans.
3. Have fun. Getting to know the young person is the primary goal of any mentoring relationship. Activities such as hanging out, grabbing a bite to eat, or playing basketball, help build the relationship.
4. Allow the mentee to have voice and choice in deciding on activities. Ask your mentee what he or she would like to do during your time together. This ensures that the young person will be interested and engaged in the activity.
5. Be positive. Offer encouragement and assistance. When times are tough, help the young person focus on the future. Celebrate successes large and small.
6. Let the mentee control the direction of conversations. Don’t push the mentee to tell you everything at once; allow him or her time to get to know you. Be sensitive and respectful and above all keep everything the mentee says to you con dential (unless the youth plans to hurt himself/herself or someone else).
7. Listen. Sometimes the young person will need to vent about school, work, home, or friends. By listening more than talking you can learn a lot and build your relationship.
8. Respect the trust the mentee places in you. Don’t judge the mentee or provide unwanted advice. Reassure him that you will be there no matter what.
9. Remember that your relationship is with the young person, not his or her parent. The focus of the match is on the youth’s goals, not those of the family. At the same time, avoid passing judgment on the mentee’s family.
10. Remember that you are responsible for building the relationship. Take the initiative to keep in contact with your mentee.

Excerpted from "Tips on Being a Great Mentor" on youthbuildmentoringalliance.org. Retrieved from http://youthbuildmentoringalliance.org/content/tips-being-great-mentor. 

• Clarify your goals: explain to your mentor what you want from your career, and from mentoring.
• Come prepared: set up an agenda ahead of meetings and give your mentor enough time in advance to review any materials.
• Remember, it’s your responsibility to keep the relationship going: you don’t want your mentor saying, “I haven’t heard from you”.
• Respect your mentor’s boundaries: create upfront agreements about what to do if time-sensitive issues arise outside your organised meetings.
• Take action between sessions: be willing to try new things and to respond to suggestions. However, always filter any advice through your own instincts, as you are ultimately responsible for your own actions.
• Be grateful: express your appreciation and tell your mentor what a difference it is making to you. Ask if there is any way you can help your mentor.

Selection from "How to make mentoring work and why your workplace will benefit" by Thea O'Connor on InTheBlack.