How can you make a mentoring plan that matters?

In a digital age, where information travels at the speed of light and everyone is just a click away, something seems to be amiss. We've become too cool for mentorship, and too impatient to learn from others. The Information Age has eroded our patience and inflated our egos, and while that may sound hyperbolic – over the past couple of years I’ve noticed a large uptick in those unwilling to publicly learn underneath the tutelage of another professional. Pause for a moment and ask yourself: How long was your apprenticeship?

When creating a mentorship plan, it should be documented on a checklist. Start with establishing SMART goals with your mentee. Research the company and align their goals with business objectives. Keep in mind your mentee's success is dependent upon you devoting the time and follow-up actions with them when they need it. Also, learn from your mentee how you can improve. Ask for their feedback.

Some open-ended questions you can ask your mentee to gauge their interest right at the very beginning of the first mentoring session could be... Q1: "Can you tell me about your goals and aspirations, both personally and professionally? Q2: What are you hoping to achieve through our mentoring relationship?" Q3: "What do you see as your biggest strengths and areas for growth? Q4: "Reflecting on your past experiences and achievements, what are some significant challenges you've faced and overcome?" Q5"What specific skills or knowledge do you hope to gain or enhance during our mentoring partnership? Q6: "How do you plan to apply these skills in your current role or future endeavours?"

As a mentor you need to ask questions and listen very carefully. You need to know why your mentee want to achieve her/his goals - what kind of motivation stay behind it. Only in this case you will be able to help on the positive way and the results will be more effective than on other situations.

Some common mentoring activities you could use. 1. Collaborative goal-setting exercise to define specific objectives for the mentoring relationship. 2. Development planning session to set goals/milestones, and create action plans for skill development. 3. Role-playing exercises to practice networking skills, elevator pitches, and informational interviews. 4. Review of LinkedIn profiles, and resumes to enhance professional branding. 5. Case studies or real-life scenarios to analyse and discuss challenges and potential solutions. 6. Role-playing exercises to practice assertiveness, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills. 7. Mindfulness activities to promote self-care and well-being.

Here are five key factors to consider when selecting your mentor: Honesty: Your mentor should provide constructive feedback without sugarcoating or degrading your strengths and weaknesses. Pure intentions: Your mentor should expect nothing unjust in return for their guidance. Availability: Your mentor should make time for you and prioritize your growth. Expertise: Your mentor should possess extensive experience in their field. Character: Your mentor should be someone you genuinely admire and strive to emulate.