Make the Most of Your Mentoring Relationships

Mentoring is one of the best ways to learn, to get feedback, and to take your career to the next level. Here are ten tips for making the most of your mentoring relationships.

Tip #1

Self-assess. Ask yourself, "What skills do I need to get where I want to go?"

Tip #2

Identify your learning goals. Put them in writing.

Tip #3

Decide together how the mentoring relationship will work - frequency and type of contact.

Tip #4

Commit the time. Don't give up if the chemistry doesn't feel right at the first meeting. Meet a minimum of once per month. Touch base regularly - by e-mail, phone, in person.

Tip #5

Take time to build trust and communication. Get to know each other on a personal level. Discuss your backgrounds, interests, career histories, and perspectives of your organizations.

Tip #6

Keep confidences. Nothing kills trust in a mentoring relationship faster than a breach of confidence.

Tip #7

Be sensitive to cultural and gender differences. Do a little homework. And listen.

Tip #8

Understand and plan for the phases of a mentoring relationship. Build in time for evaluation and closure.

Tip #9

This is about learning, whether you're a protégé or a mentor. Keep a journal.

Tip #10

You don't need a single mentor who you keep throughout your career. What you need is a mind-set that allows you to learn from those around you, no matter who they are. To get ahead, create your own multitalented "board of advisors."

About The Author

Judith Lindenberger MBA has a distinguished career in human resources consulting and is recognized for her innovation and excellence. The Lindenberger Group, LLC provides results-oriented human resources consulting, organization development, customized training workshops and personal career training to help individuals and organizations improve their productivity and performance. The Lindenberger Group is a two-time recipient of The Athena Award for Excellence in Mentoring. Contact them at 609.730.1049 or info@lindenbergergroup.com or www.lindenbergergroup.com

5 Steps on How to Set and Achieve Your Goals

Which one is a goal? I will lose 15... Read More

7 AAA Ways To Succeed!

[Abounding Abundant Ample Ways To Boost Your Growth!] This may... Read More

Abraham Lincoln Is Still Alive

Abraham Lincoln Is Still Alive President Jimmy Carter tells in... Read More

Is Your Life Ready For Groundhog Day?

In the hit comedic movie Groundhog Day, Bill Murray's character,... Read More

Helping Others Develop Their Potential

Most of us find ourselves in a position to help... Read More

Unleash It!

On airplanes, in restaurants, in the newspaper and on television,... Read More

The Metamorphosis of the Successful Executive . . . Overcoming Professional Stagnation

You're a bright, successful business executive making good money and... Read More

Ten Steps To Effective Leadership

Many people end up in a supervisory position or SOHO... Read More

Professional Organizations: Join or Fold?

All of us join professional organizations for a reason--a friend... Read More

Rationalize Success Away

I was invited to do a Leadership workshop at a... Read More

Why the Squirrel Kept Winning!

I had the good fortune (or misfortune depending on your... Read More

The Death of Potential

... Read More

Reinventing Failure: Designing Success

I am fascinated by problems. I like to think of... Read More

Top 25 Leadership Quotations

Ponder what it takes to be a true leader with... Read More

Leadership Skills - 10 Ways to Beef Up

10 Ways to Beef Up Your Leadership SkillsHave you ever... Read More

Choose Your Best Life: Where Are Your Choices Leading You?

According to the dictionary choice means "to select freely after... Read More

Three Growth Guidelines from Stephen Covey

I have been looking for answers to what it takes... Read More

Five Steps Towards Greater Self Confidence

We watch the star athlete calmly make the final shot,... Read More

Exceptional Leadership Inspires the Best Effort in Others

There is a steady stream being written and taught about... Read More

Secrets of Creating Success with Ease

Do you ever strum your fingers on the desk top... Read More

5 Human Capital Asset Enrichment Strategies for Leaders!

Here's a really simple way to think about the ins... Read More

Are You Playing or Practicing Leadership?

Anne was a new supervisor, and like many new supervisors... Read More

5 Leadership Power Principles!

95% of Workers Fail Because of This...But They Can Fix... Read More

7 Awesome Leadership Power Generators!

7 Awe-Inspiring Leadership Power-Generating Strategies!Here's a really simple way you... Read More

Three Factors Of Leadership Motivation

Leaders do nothing more important than get results. But you... Read More