If a mentoring program already exists at your organization, find out what's required for you to participate. Many companies require both mentors and mentees to attend training sessions, where participants discuss expectations and map out how and when to fulfill them. Contact between mentor and mentee is sometimes as informal as a weekly telephone check-in or occasional excursions out of the workplace, where both parties feel free to let down their hair. In certain settings, particularly academic ones, individual mentorships are often part of a larger agenda to address gender imbalances, racism, or other systemic problems. It can be satisfying to know that your mentorship might address not only your goals, but those of a larger group as well.
Some people are hesitant to approach a mentor for fear of being a drain on their time and energy.
And the company gains by boosting motivation and advancement, which leads to greater employee retention. There's no doubt that mentoring can be a win-win situation. Don't expect your mentor to wave a magic wand and solve all your career problems. All rights reserved.