subject: Learning to learn from mentors [print this page] Finding an effective and best mentor can help to boost up confidence, increase your career opportunities and accelerate your personal development. When you finds your new mentor, strive to be an excellent students. As follow are some helpful tips :-
( 1 ) Have a written agreement:-
Draw up a written agreement between both parties regarding mutual responsibilities and commitments.
( 2 ) Schedule for six months only:-
Agree on a timeframe for maintaining the mentor-student relationship so that both parties can work towards achieving effective communication and sharing of experience.
( 3 ) Meet monthly:-
Decide on a regular time each month to meet for about an hour. As the student, you should fit in with your mentor's schedule.
( 4 ) Set an agenda:-
Tell your mentor what you would like to discuss, what challenges you have been facing and list and questions you may have. To assist you in developing this agenda, you may like to keep the list on-going through the month so that you are prepared for your meeting.
( 5 ) Book a teleconference:-
You do not need to meet face to face . But you should still have an agenda and a clear idea of what you want from the meeting.
( 6 ) Meet in a location that suits the mentor:-
Find locations that your mentor enjoys being in, for instance, his/her favourite cafe, an airport lounge or a restaurant by the beach. Make an effort to drive or commute to the location that fits in with his/her schedule.
( 7 ) Be of service:-
You could assist your mentor with a project, help in his/her business unit, drive him/her to an event, or take him/her to the airport. Being a good student is all about serving your mentor and creating opportunities to draw from his/her experience.
( 8 ) Do your homework:-
Your mentor might give you activities to try or challenges for each month. Always complete these tasks and report back to your mentor on your success. Do not waste his/her time or advice.
( 9 ) Promote your mentor to others:-
If you know of businesses or opportunities for your mentor, always let others know about your mentor's skills, achievements and success.
( 10 ) Get to know your mentor:-
Find out what your mentor likes to listen to, what books he/she likes to read, what movies he/she enjoys, and details about his/her family. These will help you know how to respond to your mentor and thank him/her in ways that are important to him/her.
