Listed are some suggestions on how mentees can best take advantage of the mentoring opportunities:
- Make time to meet regularly with your mentor(s). Being mentored is an important long-term investment. Be prepared for your meetings and have specific goals and tasks in mind.
- Learn to ask for help or feedback. Clear communication is the cornerstone on which all other factors sit. It is through constructive and empathetic dialogues that relationships can develop, allowing both parties to bring forward their ideas, enter discussions, and maintain professional development.
- Be willing to listen and learn. Mutual trust is dependent upon maintaining confidences. Although difficult, the mentee has to be willing to openly accept criticism and feedback, demonstrating strength and the willingness to grow.
- Take advantage of opportunities presented. Part of your professional development should include seminars, speakers, classroom observations, etc. Your mentor may provide guidance on which activities would be most beneficial.
- Be open and honest. This is vital in getting the guidance and assistance you may need and will offer your mentor the assurance that they also can rely on you.
- Be proactive about your needs. Being proactive is much more than just taking the initiative - it's about accepting responsibility for your own behaviors (past, present and future). It is about building partnerships based on principles.
- Be a problem solver. When bringing problems to your mentor, you should have possible solutions in mind to foster the development of your own problem-solving skills. While the mentor can provide ideas and feedback, sometimes no one knows your situation better than you.
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