3d. Foster an Effective Relationship

Prioritizing meeting with your mentor throughout the relationship is critical in order for you both to benefit fully from the relationship. Ensure a productive, successful relationship by implementing the following guidelines:

• If your mentor has not scheduled a meeting with you by the second week of each month, contact him/her to schedule it proactively.
• Prior to each meeting, create an agenda summarizing the topics you would like to cover.
• Offer to treat your mentor to a meal or coffee at your favorite place.
• Set next steps at the end of each discussion and clarify who is responsible for each of them. If follow-up poses a challenge for either of you, use the opportunity to problem solve together.
• After each meeting, send a note to your mentor describing how you benefitted from the conversation.
• Set a reminder on your calendar to send an interesting article to your mentor each Friday.
• Note important personal events in the life of your mentor, such as his/her birthday and anniversary date with the organization.
• Attend educational events (internal and external) together, such as lectures, talks, and discussions.
• Find opportunities to interact with your mentor outside work, such as volunteering together.
• Suggest ideas to your mentor of how to develop his/her hobbies.