How do you approach and initiate mentoring relationships with FM leaders?

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you reach out to any potential mentors, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and learn from a mentoring relationship. What are your current challenges and opportunities in your FM role? What are your short-term and long-term career aspirations? What skills and knowledge do you want to improve or acquire? Having a specific and realistic set of goals and needs will help you narrow down your search for suitable mentors and communicate your expectations and interests.

2 Research and select potential mentors

Once you have defined your goals and needs, you can start looking for potential mentors who have the expertise, experience, and personality that match your criteria. You can use various sources and methods to find and research potential mentors, such as online platforms, industry associations, events, publications, referrals, or your own network. You should look for mentors who have a proven track record of success in the FM field, who share your values and vision, and who have the time and willingness to mentor. You should also diversify your search and consider mentors from different backgrounds, sectors, and perspectives.

3 Reach out and introduce yourself

After you have selected a few potential mentors, you need to reach out and introduce yourself in a professional and respectful manner. You can use email, phone, or social media to contact them, depending on the level of familiarity and accessibility. You should keep your message brief and concise, but also personal and genuine. You should explain who you are, what you do, why you are interested in them as a mentor, and what you hope to gain from a mentoring relationship. You should also express your appreciation and enthusiasm, and ask for their availability and interest in mentoring.

4 Build rapport and trust

If a potential mentor agrees to meet with you, you should prepare for the meeting by doing some background research, preparing some questions, and setting some objectives. You should also be punctual, courteous, and attentive during the meeting, and show your interest and curiosity in their FM journey and insights. You should aim to build rapport and trust with your potential mentor by being respectful, honest, and open-minded. You should also seek feedback and advice, and show your willingness to learn and improve.

5 Establish expectations and boundaries

Once you have established a rapport and trust with a potential mentor, you should discuss and agree on the expectations and boundaries of the mentoring relationship. You should clarify the goals and outcomes of the mentoring, the frequency and duration of the meetings, the preferred mode and channel of communication, the roles and responsibilities of each party, and the feedback and evaluation process. You should also set some ground rules and boundaries for confidentiality, respect, and professionalism. You should document the expectations and boundaries in a written agreement or contract, and review and revise them periodically.

6 Maintain and nurture the relationship

After you have formalized the mentoring relationship, you should maintain and nurture it by following through on your commitments, communicating regularly and effectively, and showing gratitude and appreciation. You should also be proactive and flexible in seeking and applying the guidance and support of your mentor, and be open to feedback and challenges. You should also celebrate your achievements and progress, and share your challenges and difficulties. You should also seek opportunities to reciprocate and add value to your mentor, such as sharing your insights, resources, or contacts.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?