Having a mentor is one of the most powerful relationships you can have. A mentor can help you identify next steps for your career, make connections with the right people or get over the hurdles of a transition.
But let’s be honest—you get back what you put into it, and being a good mentee helps your mentor help you even more. So what makes for an ideal mentee?
Tips for Being a Good Mentee
Show Up on Time
There’s a lot of value in mentorship, and you want to use everyone’s time wisely. Your mentor’s time is valuable, as demonstrated by their career success and their willingness to help you. Your own time is important as well. Being on time is a great way to show respect and gratitude for your mentor.
And if you’re meeting with one of our mentors, actual money is involved, making it even more important to take this investment seriously. Show up on time, and be sure to give notice if you need to change plans—at least 24 hours’ warning is best.
Be an Active Participant
Mentorship is a two-way street. When you meet with your mentor, show that you’re engaged and taking ownership in your own success. Think about your meetings in terms of your goals: Why have you decided to meet with a mentor, and what do you hope to gain?
This reflection will help you shape the conversation with your mentor and bring questions to the table that will help you get the answers you need. Then, when you meet, take notes and ask questions.
Your mentorship should continue even when you aren’t face to face with your mentor. You should be doing any homework you’ve been tasked with, thinking about what you discussed last time and planning what you’d like to ask in your next meeting.
Be Flexible
Some mentees meet in person with their mentors, but be open to the possibility of phone calls or video chats. You may find that it’s easiest to meet for lunch with your mentor, or maybe it’s easiest for both of you to meet via Skype before work. Think creatively and collaboratively with your mentor to find the right schedule and ways of meeting.
Have a Change Mindset
Chances are, you’re probably meeting with a mentor because you’re facing a change: a new role, a different field, or maybe even a new location. A good mentor will challenge your perspectives and give you honest feedback. Mentorship can also lead to big shifts in the ways you approach work or how you interact with others, and there’s a good chance you’ll feel like a new person by the time it’s over.
Change and introspection can be uncomfortable sometimes, but embracing the change will help you get the most out of what you can learn from your mentor.
Pay it Forward
You aren’t the only one getting something out of the relationship you’re building. Many mentors offer to help because they like to help others succeed, and your mentor will take pride in your growth and success. If you want to help your mentor in other ways, take a look at your network and see if you know someone who would be helpful to your mentor, or consider nominating them for a professional award.
Finally, be willing to mentor others who are younger and less experienced than you are. There is always someone coming up the career ladder after you, and paying it forward pays dividends.
Learn more about the other side of things with our tips for mentors.