Mentoring helps employees better understand different parts of their organizations, become familiar with functioning of higher levels of management and pick up what works for leaders they admire. While HR can help employees with selecting mentors, just the employees themselves have to ensure that they will get the most out of mentoring. Practical tips on how to get the most out of mentoring were published on humancapitalleague.com.
Meet your mentor with your goals
At the beging of your cooperation, tell your mentor what exatly you want to learn during the time you will spend together. This will help you better target your cooperation and maintain focus on priorities.
Take responsibility for scheduling your meetings
Do not wait until your mentor schedules your meetings. Discuss how your meetings will look like and then take the initiative to prepare the schedule. You will show your interest in learning.
Attend the scheduled meetings on time
Do not let your mentor wait for you. When you have a really compelling reason not to come at all or not to come on time, inform your mentor or his assistant immediately.
Prepare for the meetings
Review the items that you discussed with your mentor and find your time to make sure that you are able to meet them. Prepare the agenda for the next meeting and submit it to the mentor. Prepare a list of questions, too.
Respct your mentor's time
Keep the time that you have scheduled for your meeting and do not make it longer. If you want to contact your mentor out of your planned meetings, agree in advance when it is possible.
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