Tips for Building a Solid Mentor-Mentee Relationship
Much of the success of mentoring comes from the relationship between the mentor and the mentee. Here are some tips to get the best out of it.
The Woman Post | Carolina Rodríguez Monclou
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Mentoring is training inaudible relationships between both the mentor and the mentee. The mentee benefits by making a critical connection with others in their field, which paves the way to employment. The mental benefits by gaining skills that will help them directly in their career. Here are some tips to bear in mind for a successful mentoring relationship.
It's a Business Relationship
When you meet your mentor for the first time, you should dress professionally, arrive on time, come prepared to the meeting with an action plan for the current moment and the follow-up, and ask many questions.
As a mentor, you need to set an agenda for that first meeting and take the lead. Use the opportunity to talk about your connection and what your commitment will consist of. Also, explain what the terms and conditions of the relationship will be. With that in place, you're ready to get started.
Start With the Resume
One impactful thing you can do is start with the resume and the cover letter. Frequently, the mentee will arrive with the material it's far too long or not prioritized in a way that will get them the right kind of attention. You can also talk about their credentials and what do they need to look at upgrades to make them more attractive in the marketplace.
More Than Hard Skills
Don't forget that your expertise extends well beyond your professional field. You are a specialist; understanding the customs, the habits, the social norms, and that kind of insight is often even more important than the hard skills.
More Than Getting a Job
Remember that you are not expected to find your mentee a job. You're there to provide insights and to provide links for them. Don't be disappointed if they don't get a job right away; you've provided the bridge. The mentoring relationship is your opportunity to learn new things and make connections. They can also help you create an effective job search strategy.
Also read: PAULA RINCÓN, THE COLOMBIAN WHO OVERCAME FEAR
It's About What You Have in Common
Your mentor and yourself should be matched in terms of your professional backgrounds and experiences. Mentoring matches you with someone in your professional field. It gives you new insights into your profession within a global context, and on a personal level, it introduces you to someone new. At the same time, it allows you to help someone new to your community. After this experience, you'll realize how your listening skills will improve. You'll also be more effective at managing a diverse team.
How To Keep a Great Relationship With a Mentor?
Robert Reffkin is an entrepreneur that has had many mentors alongside his career. According to him, these are the three principles to keeping a good relationship with your mentor:
1. Your contributions are valuable, and your mentor can also learn from you. The best relationships are those in which people learn from each other and not only receive. If you have great advice or know something that can also be helpful for your mentor, share that knowledge with them.
2. Take your mentor's advice: A great way to build a great relationship with your mentor is by letting them know that they are not wasting their time when talking to you by your actions. If you are a mentee that follows its mentor's advice, you'll have a great connection.
3. Ask for personal advice, not just about your career: Robert Reffkin saw how his relationship with his mentor improved when he asked personal questions. It turns out that many mentors want to give more personal advice than career advice. If you open your heart and show how much you trust them, they'll be happy to help.