small talkResultsBig

Chit Chat Your Way to Success!

small talkResultsBig

Chit Chat Your Way to Success!

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!

Diane Windinglandwww.SmallTalkBigResults.com