First session (mentor)
Mentoring
Updated at August 24th, 2024
Table of Contents
The first meeting between mentor and mentee is crucial for establishing trust and laying the foundation for a successful mentoring relationship. Preparing for this meeting includes several steps that will help ensure that the meeting is productive and efficient.
For a mentor
Preparation before the meeting
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✅ Assess the mentee's request for a mentoring meeting. Read the key points the mentee wants to discuss with you. If you have space, look at the mentee's profile in the app and on LinkedIn. If you can and want to help, accept a meeting request. |
During the first meeting
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✅ Introduce yourself and get to know the mentee. Let the mentee introduce himself and then introduce yourself. Chat about common topics to make a personal connection and build trust. |
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✅ Exchange mutual expectations. Discuss mutual expectations of the mentoring relationship. Listen to what the mentee expects and say what you expect as the mentor. |
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✅ Let the mentee present their goals and paths to them. Discuss her/his short-term and long-term goals. Put them in context and find out why and how he wants to achieve them. Give feedback. Agree with the mentee on the basic paths that lead to the achievement of said goals. |
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✅ Agree with the mentee on what you can help with. If the collaboration makes sense for you and the mentee, arrange one or more meetings together. Agree on the frequency and length of future meetings. |
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✅ Agree with the mentee on the first tasks. If appropriate, set initial tasks or activities with the mentee to complete before the next meeting. |
Tip: Activity in mentoring
In mentoring, the mentee should always be more active. He is the one who wants to move forward, who has to work on himself and fulfill the agreed tasks. The mentor devotes time to the mentee in meetings, he should not take away tasks instead of the mentee.