Some do’s and don’ts for mentees

Do the following

  • Drive the relationship
  • Maintain contact
  • Take the initiative in setting meeting times
  • Know what you want from the relationship
  • Set clear goals at the beginning – they will change
  • Set up meetings with clear agendas
  • Record progress and notes
  • Establish realistic and attainable expectations
  • Establish rapport with your mentor
  • Communicate openly
  • Solicit feedback from your mentor
  • Be punctual and stick to deadlines
  • Honour your commitments and take responsibility
  • Be prepared before meetings
  • Take responsibility
  • Be considerate of your mentor’s pressures/time
  • Earn the trust of your mentor
  • Be open to constructive feedback
  • Give a little of yourself – show appreciation
  • Be enthusiastic
  • Stay focused
  • Pursue meaningful, big picture goals

Do not do the following

  • Expect miracles
  • Expect your mentor to do the work or tell you what to do
  • Become dependent on your mentor
  • Be over-awed by your mentor – mentors are doing this because they want to
  • Be too passive
  • Break trust
  • Ask for advice on everything
  • Cancel meetings at short notice
  • Involve your mentor in your personal problems – he/she is not a psychologist
  • Become involved personally with your mentor!
  • Involve your mentor professionally in your business!
  • Hang on when it is time to move on