Mentorship programs can be a valuable way to learn from experienced professionals in commercial interior design and advance your career. However, mentees often make some common mistakes that can hinder their progress and damage their relationships with their mentors. In this article, we will discuss six of these mistakes and how to avoid them.
One of the first mistakes mentees make is not having clear and realistic goals for their mentorship. Without knowing what you want to achieve, learn, or improve, you will waste your and your mentor's time and energy. Before you start your mentorship, you should identify your specific needs, interests, and expectations, and communicate them with your mentor. You should also review and update your goals regularly, and track your progress and feedback.
One of the first mistakes mentees make is not having clear and realistic goals for their mentorship. Without knowing what you want to achieve, learn, or improve, you will waste your and your mentor's time and energy.
Another mistake mentees make is not being proactive in their mentorship. This means not taking initiative, not asking questions, not seeking feedback, not following up, and not applying what they learn. Being proactive shows your mentor that you are eager, curious, and committed to your growth. It also helps you to make the most of your mentor's expertise, insights, and advice. You should always prepare for your meetings, ask relevant and thoughtful questions, seek constructive feedback, follow up on your action items, and apply what you learn to your projects.
A third mistake mentees make is not being respectful of their mentor's time, availability, and boundaries. Mentors are busy professionals who volunteer their time and energy to help you, so you should respect their schedule, preferences, and limits. You should not expect your mentor to be available at all times, to solve all your problems, or to do your work for you. You should also not take your mentor for granted, or abuse their trust and generosity. You should always be punctual, courteous, and grateful for your mentor's support, and follow their guidelines and expectations.
A fourth mistake mentees make is not being open-minded to their mentor's perspectives, suggestions, and feedback. Mentors have more experience, knowledge, and skills than you, so they can offer you valuable insights and guidance that can help you improve your commercial interior design practice. However, if you are too defensive, stubborn, or arrogant, you will miss the opportunity to learn from them and grow. You should always be open-minded to your mentor's views, even if they differ from yours, and listen to their feedback, even if it is challenging or critical.
A fifth mistake mentees make is not being honest with their mentor about their challenges, concerns, or mistakes. Mentors are there to help you overcome your difficulties, address your issues, and learn from your errors. However, if you are too afraid, ashamed, or proud to admit your struggles, doubts, or failures, you will hinder your mentor's ability to assist you and support you. You should always be honest with your mentor about your situation, your feelings, and your actions, and trust that they will respect you and help you.
A sixth mistake mentees make is not giving back to their mentor in some way. Mentors are not paid or rewarded for their mentorship, so they appreciate any gesture of appreciation, recognition, or reciprocity from their mentees. Giving back to your mentor can be as simple as saying thank you, giving positive feedback, sharing your achievements, or offering your help. It can also be more meaningful, such as referring your mentor to new opportunities, connecting your mentor to other professionals, or becoming a mentor yourself. Giving back to your mentor shows your gratitude, respect, and loyalty, and strengthens your relationship.
The mentee should not see the mentor as just a friend to hang out with and share stories. They must respect the time commitment of the mentor and be committed to work on task set. The mentee must not become overfamiliar or take the access they have for granted.