Article: It's fine to have the first meeting between you and your mentor or mentee be all about getting to know each other and this may even help to forge a positive relationship. Choose to meet at a designated time and place. Then, spend about 30-60 minutes in casual conversation. Ask getting-to-know you questions of each other to establish a rapport. For example, ask your mentor or mentee where they're from, where they went to school, what they like to do in their spare time, and if they have any pets. When you first begin working together, plan a conversation to establish the basic goals you'll be working towards. These can be broad goals that you narrow down later to pinpoint the mentee's more specific professional objectives. Some things the mentor and mentee might list as goals for their relationship include: Increasing the speed at which the mentee learns their role and achieves competency Fostering leadership development Reducing stress and preventing burnout Improving the mentee's motivation and job satisfaction Increasing the chances that the mentee will stay with the company long-term Once you've established some goals, figure out what the relationship will involve by specifying what you and your mentor or mentee will responsible for doing. State these responsibilities clearly so there is no mistaking each person's role. For example, if you are the mentee, you might write something like, "As mentee, I am responsible for seeking out opportunities and experiences to enhance my learning, communicating regularly with my mentor, and reviewing my progress regularly." If you are the mentor, you might write something like, "As mentor, I agree to provide support and encouragement to my mentee, provide feedback on my mentee's progress, and meet with them regularly." Try to meet with your mentor or mentee 3-4 times over the course of 6 months, or more often if desired. Meeting more often may help to promote good progress, especially in the first 1-2 years of your relationship. Other things to consider when planning your meetings include: Where you will meet The level of formality of your meetings What you'll cover in your meetings When you will meet again

What is a summary?
Take time to get to know each other before you begin working together. Discuss desired outcomes for the relationship. Identify each person's responsibilities. Specify how often you and your mentor or mentee will meet.