Lesson 3. Ways/Strategies/Tips for an Effective Relationship in Mentoring
Building trust is possible through effective communication, and purposeful and fruitful mentoring relationships can be built through trust. A relationship that is fulfilling and beneficial for both parties can be recognized as a successful mentor-mentee relationship. Here are ten tips to build a more effective and productive relationship between mentors and mentees.
Keep in mind that both parties have their own share of responsibility for each strategy!
| Ten tips for a more effective and productive mentor-mentee relationship | ||
| Mentor’s Responsibilities | Mentee’s Responsibilities | |
| 1. Keep your communications open | Let your mentees know, in cases of a busy schedule, when you will be unavailable and help your mentee set realistic expectations. | Be as frank and direct as possible. Let your mentor know your goals and expectations of the program. |
| 2. Offer support | Encourage your mentee to communicate and participate. Support them in preparing a solid action plan. | Keep in mind that your mentor is there to guide. |
| 3. Define expectations | Support the mentee in setting up a framework to measure achievement. | Make sure your mentor knows what to expect from you. |
| 4. Maintain contact | Try to be available at appropriate times. Keep responding to your e-mails, provide advice, resources and guidance when asked. | Always mind your manners. Check your e-mails frequently and don’t hesitate to ask questions. |
| 5. Be honest | Remain truthful and tactful while evaluating. | Let your mentor know when you don’t understand or have another opinion. |
| 6. Actively participate | Engage in your own learning while you are mentoring, Collaborate on projects. Ask questions and experiment. | Listen and ask if you can observe or attend your mentor’s work if s/he is nearby. |
| 7. Be innovative and creative | Share your ideas, give advice and be a resource for new ideas. | Offer ideas on what activities and exercises you can do together. |
| 8. Get to know each other | Both parties come from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Get to know each other individually. | |
| 9. Be reliable and consistent | Remaining consistent will make the other party trust you. Trust is the building block of an effective mentoring relationship. | |
| 10. Stay positive | Recognize the work the mentee has done, and the progress made. | Keep in mind that your mentor is not trying to criticize but to offer feedback. |