𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠?

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐬 𝐌𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠?

During my first LinkedIn Audio ‘𝙋𝙞𝙘𝙠-𝙈𝙮-𝘽𝙧𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙁𝙧𝙞𝙙𝙖𝙮𝙨’ event last week, an attendee asked how can she maintain the mentor-mentee relationship she has with her mentor after the mentor moves to new role.

Currently they have monthly meetups but she wants to ‘stay in the loop’, ask valuable questions and create a structure for future meetings.

Having thought about her questions some more, I wondered if she were thinking of ‘sponsorship’, since there is already an established mentoring relationship.

𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 involves experienced professionals offering guidance, coaching, and support to help mentees develop their skills and careers. It is a voluntary and mutual relationship aimed at personal and professional growth.

𝗦𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 focuses on career advancement, where sponsors actively advocate for their protégés by using their influence to create opportunities and increase visibility within the organization. (I will write more about this in the next few days).

The attendee already has some structure as they meet every month, but she probably needs to refine it. Such a structure is not that different than the coaching process I use with my clients (and mentees). Here’s what one could look like:

✅Set Clear Goals and Objectives: Start by identifying your specific goals and objectives for the relationship. Consider what skills, knowledge, or experiences you want to gain, and how can the mentor / coach assist you in achieving these.

✅Establish Regular Communication: Determine how often you will meet or communicate. Whether it’s weekly, monthly, quarterly, or another schedule, consistent communication is important to build a strong relationship. Decide on the preferred mode of communication: in-person meetings, virtual sessions, or email exchanges.

✅Prepare for Meetings: Make the most of your mentor or coach’s time by preparing for each meeting. Outline the topics you want to discuss, questions you have, and any challenges you’ve encountered since the last meeting. Being organized and focused helps ensure that you receive valuable insights and guidance.

✅Seek Feedback and Accountability: Ask for constructive feedback on your progress and areas for improvement and be accountable for taking action on the advice and guidance provided.

✅Respect Boundaries and Time Commitments: Respect the individual’s time and boundaries. Understand that they may have other commitments. Be punctual for meetings and advise them early if you can’t make the meeting.

✅Reflect and Adapt: Periodically reflect on your progress. Assess whether you are meeting your goals and whether adjustments are needed.

By following these steps, you can create a structured mentor / coach relationship that is focused, productive, and mutually beneficial.

BTW, if you want to be a mentor or mentee, contact Dami Eluyera, MBA, CSAP at IMDOINGIT.