1. Advice to Mentees
1. Know what you want. Have 2-3 short-term goals (6-12
months) and 2-3 long-term goals (3-5+ years). Make them
SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and
Time-bound). And be focused! Focus on what is most important
during your mentoring sessions.
2. Have written, mutually agreed-upon guidelines. Specify your
purpose for the mentoring relationship. Do you want skill
coaching? Networking opportunities? Sharing of experience? A sounding
board? Spell out expectations regarding how often and how you will
communicate.
3. Make it easy for your mentor. Give your mentor preference in mode of
communication, location for meetings and times. Buy her lunch or coffee when
you meet. Avoid contacting your mentor outside of agreed-upon times. Be
specific in how your mentor can help you; she may be new to mentoring. Be on
time for your meetings! Return emails, texts, phone calls, etc. promptly.
4. Be prepared for your meetings. Send your up-dated resume to your mentor
prior to your first meeting. See #1. Have an agenda for your meetings; with
discussion topics decided a few meetings in advance, ideally. Have questions
ready. Do any homework or challenges that your mentor assigns.
5. Accept Advice. Accept advice with an open mind. If you disagree, talk it over.
6. Be interested in your mentor’s life. While the mentor/mentee relationship
typically is more mentee-focused, your mentor wants to feel like you care about
her as a person, not just as a stepping-stone.
7. Maintain confidentiality. Never disclose anything to others that could
embarrass or hurt your mentor.
8. Share your success! When you have success—a promotion, a new job, a
significant project completion—let your mentor know. Especially mention if your
mentoring relationship has contributed to the success.
9. Show appreciation. Mentors need encouragement, too! Use affirming words to
tell her how she has helped you. You also could send your mentor a “thinking-of-
you” card with a news-clipping of interest. You could find some way to assist
her, such as offering to take her to the airport.
10. Promote your mentor. Just as your mentor may promote you in her
professional network, you can do likewise!
Big Results
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Diane Windingland
www.SmallTalkBigResults.com
Chit Chat Your Way to Success!