How can you turn a professional relationship into a mentorship?

2 Research and network

Once you have defined your goals and needs, you can start researching and networking with people who match your criteria. You can use various sources to find potential mentors, such as your current or former colleagues, supervisors, clients, or partners, your alumni network, your professional associations, or online platforms like LinkedIn. You can also ask for referrals from people you trust and respect. When you network, focus on building genuine and meaningful connections, not just asking for favors. Show interest in their work, share your insights and feedback, and offer your help or value in return.

3 Make the ask

After you have established a rapport and trust with someone who you think could be a good mentor for you, you can make the ask. You can do this in person, by phone, or by email, depending on your preference and availability. Be respectful, polite, and concise when you ask. Explain why you are interested in their mentorship, what your goals and needs are, and what kind of commitment and structure you are looking for. For example, you can ask if they would be willing to meet with you once a month for an hour to discuss your progress and challenges. Be prepared to hear a no, and respect their decision. If they say yes, express your gratitude and enthusiasm, and set up the first meeting.

4 Establish the ground rules

The first meeting with your mentor is essential for setting the tone and expectations of the mentorship. During this meeting, you should cover topics such as the goals and objectives of the mentorship, the frequency and duration of the meetings, preferred communication channels, roles and responsibilities of each party, boundaries and confidentiality of the relationship, evaluation and feedback mechanisms, and duration and termination of the mentorship. Having a mutual understanding of these ground rules will help to prevent misunderstandings, conflicts, and disappointments while ensuring a successful mentorship.

5 Nurture the relationship

The success of the mentorship depends largely on how you nurture the relationship with your mentor. You should show respect, appreciation, and professionalism at all times, while also being proactive, curious, and open-minded. To nurture this relationship, it’s important to prepare for each meeting with an agenda, questions, and updates. Following up with a thank-you note and a summary of the key takeaways is also essential. Additionally, implementing the advice and feedback that you receive and sharing your achievements and challenges can help foster a strong bond. Furthermore, asking for feedback and suggestions from your mentor as well as offering your help or value in areas that you can contribute will be beneficial. Finally, it's important to keep in touch and update them on your progress regularly.

6 Review and renew

The mentorship is not a static or permanent relationship. It is a dynamic and evolving one that requires constant review and renewal. You should regularly evaluate the outcomes and satisfaction of the mentorship, and adjust the goals, expectations, and strategies as needed. You should also acknowledge and celebrate the milestones and achievements that you and your mentor have reached. At some point, you may decide to end the mentorship, either because you have achieved your goals, or because the relationship has run its course, or because of other reasons. If that happens, you should thank your mentor for their time and support, and express your gratitude and appreciation. You should also maintain the connection and friendship, and offer your help or value in return.

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?