How can you be an exceptional mentee in facilitation?

1 Seek feedback

One of the most valuable benefits of having a facilitation mentor is getting honest and constructive feedback on your performance. Feedback can help you identify your strengths, weaknesses, and areas for improvement, as well as celebrate your achievements and learn from your mistakes. To be an exceptional mentee, you need to seek feedback regularly, actively, and openly. Ask your mentor specific questions about your facilitation skills, such as how you can engage participants, manage conflicts, or design activities. Listen to their suggestions and insights, and thank them for their input. Don't be defensive or dismissive of their feedback, even if it's hard to hear. Instead, use it as an opportunity to grow and improve.

2 Apply learning

Feedback is only useful if you act on it. To be an exceptional mentee, you need to apply what you learn from your mentor to your facilitation practice. Don't just nod and agree with their advice, but try to implement it in your next session. Experiment with different techniques, tools, and approaches that your mentor recommends, and see how they work for you. Reflect on your results and share them with your mentor. Ask them for more guidance or clarification if you need it. Show them that you are committed to learning and improving, and that you value their expertise and experience.

3 Set goals

Another way to be an exceptional mentee is to set clear and realistic goals for your facilitation development. Goals can help you focus your efforts, measure your progress, and motivate you to keep learning. To set effective goals, you need to assess your current level of facilitation skills, identify your desired outcomes, and plan the steps and actions you need to take to achieve them. You also need to communicate your goals to your mentor, and ask them for their support and feedback. Your mentor can help you refine your goals, monitor your performance, and celebrate your milestones. They can also help you overcome any challenges or obstacles that you may encounter along the way.

4 Be proactive

A mentorship relationship is a two-way street. To be an exceptional mentee, you need to be proactive and take responsibility for your own learning. Don't wait for your mentor to initiate contact, but reach out to them regularly and respectfully. Don't expect them to have all the answers, but do your own research and preparation. Don't rely on them to solve your problems, but seek their guidance and perspective. Be respectful of their time and availability, and express your appreciation and gratitude. Show them that you are eager and willing to learn, and that you respect and trust them as your mentor.

5 Seek diversity

While having a facilitation mentor can be very beneficial, it can also limit your exposure and perspective if you only learn from one person. To be an exceptional mentee, you need to seek diversity and variety in your learning sources and experiences. Seek out other facilitators who have different styles, backgrounds, and expertise, and learn from them as well. Attend workshops, webinars, or events that are relevant to your facilitation interests and goals, and network with other facilitators. Read books, articles, blogs, or podcasts that offer insights and tips on facilitation. Explore different facilitation methods, models, and frameworks, and see how they can enhance your practice. By seeking diversity, you can expand your knowledge, skills, and network, and become a more well-rounded and adaptable facilitator.

6 Share learning

Finally, to be an exceptional mentee, you need to share your learning with others. Sharing your learning can help you consolidate your understanding, reflect on your practice, and contribute to the facilitation community. You can share your learning with your mentor, your peers, your clients, or your audience. You can share your learning through various formats, such as blogs, podcasts, videos, or presentations. You can share your learning through various platforms, such as social media, online forums, or professional networks. By sharing your learning, you can demonstrate your competence, confidence, and passion for facilitation, and inspire others to learn and improve as well.

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?