It doesn t matter how often you ve been engaged in a mentoring relationship. Facilitating successful mentoring relationships requires reflective practice and preparation of both oneself and the relationship. Preparing the relationship adds value to the mentoring partnership for mentor and mentee. During the preparing phase of a mentoring relationship several processes take place simultaneously.
Mentors explore personal motivation and their own readiness to be a mentor.
Individual assessment of mentoring skills helps identify areas for the mentor s learning and development. Clarity about expectation and role helps define parameters for establishing a productive and healthy mentoring relationship. After answering these questions, you may decide that mentoring is not for you. Remember that the mentor role does not fit every individual. You may find that you are not sufficiently motivated for this role at this time.