How can you effectively maintain a professional relationship with a mentor in Performance Management?

2 Establish clear expectations

Once you have found a mentor, you need to establish clear expectations for your relationship. This means communicating your goals, needs, and preferences, and understanding your mentor's availability, style, and approach. You should also agree on the frequency, duration, and format of your interactions, as well as the topics, methods, and outcomes of your learning. For example, you can decide whether you want to meet in person, online, or by phone, how often and for how long, and what kind of activities or assignments you want to do. You should also discuss how you will measure your progress and evaluate your results.

3 Be respectful and responsive

A professional relationship with a mentor requires respect and responsiveness from both parties. You should respect your mentor's time, expertise, and feedback, and show appreciation for their support and guidance. You should also respond to their messages, requests, and suggestions promptly and politely, and follow up on your commitments and actions. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback for your mentor, you should communicate them openly and respectfully, and seek to resolve any issues or misunderstandings as soon as possible.

4 Be proactive and curious

A professional relationship with a mentor also requires proactivity and curiosity from you as a mentee. You should take initiative and responsibility for your own learning and development, and seek to apply your mentor's advice and insights to your performance management practice. You should also be curious and eager to learn from your mentor, and ask relevant and thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and engagement. You should also seek feedback from your mentor regularly, and reflect on your strengths, weaknesses, and areas of improvement.

6 Maintain contact and rapport

A professional relationship with a mentor can last for a long time, or it can end when you achieve your goals, or when you or your mentor move on to other roles or projects. Whatever the case, you should maintain contact and rapport with your mentor, and express your gratitude and appreciation for their contribution to your development. You should also update them on your achievements, challenges, and plans, and seek their advice or support when needed. You should also offer your help or feedback to your mentor if they need it, and look for ways to reciprocate their value and generosity.

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?