Top tips for mentors and mentees

The following advice will help you make the most of your mentoring relationship. First, here are two tips for both mentees and mentors:

• Get your mentoring meetings in the calendar and try your best to adhere to the schedule. Meeting every four to six weeks is ideal.
• Maintain a brief log of takeaways from each mentoring session and how they were actioned.

Mentees

• You don't need to impress your mentor, they are not your line manager / supervisor. Be your candid self, and if you feel comfortable, you can share your fears and flaws. If they see you may be floundering, they can help guide you.
• End every mentoring session having asked for at least one piece of actionable advice. Remind yourself to act on this advice before your next meeting.
• Don't expect mentors to be demi-gods! And some of what they tell you, you may already know. So use what is most valuable for you, at your current stage of life.

Mentors

• During mentoring sessions, offer your undivided attention, listen carefully and patiently. 
• Make every effort to establish trust and maintain confidentiality. What happens in the mentoring session, stays in the session (unless you have serious worries, in which case you may need to speak to a Mental Health First Aider or seek outside help).
• If you think your mentee may be confused or not acting in their own interest, be polite but firm. Convey your advice in a candid, clear manner even if contrary to what your mentee may expect.
• Care about your mentee's well-being and progress.