- [Teacher] So you've decided to become a mentor. As a new mentor no doubt you'll want to get off to a good start. Listen to my words of wisdom. For some mentoring is a road less traveled, but my mentoring masterclass is here to set you on your way.

- [Student] What if we don't hit it off immediately?

- [Teacher] Get off on the right foot by having an informal meeting with your mentee. When you can get to know each other, establish if you think you can work together, and share your expectations and goals for the mentoring relationship, this should help put you both at ease ready for your first mentoring session. And remember, there's no shame in walking away if one or both of you feel the relationship won't work.

- [Student] I'm worried I'm not experienced or knowledgeable enough.

- [Teacher] A common misconception is that you need years of industry experience to become a mentor. Mentoring is more about the quality of your experience, not the quantity. Take stock of the skills and the experience you do have. And draw on these in your mentoring conversations where appropriate.

- [Student] It might take up too much of my time.

- [Teacher] It's not just your mentee that will gain from this relationship. You will too. Positives for you include improved listening skills, better interpersonal relationships, increased knowledge about other parts of the business, and potential career prospects. And while you should aim to be flexible it's important to establish some boundaries to let your mentee know when you are and aren't available. Remember, mentoring sessions don't always need to be face to face. They can be conducted online or over the phone too.

- [Student] I won't know what questions to ask.

- [Teacher] Good mentoring questions tend to be ones that encourage self-reflection and get your mentee really thinking. They also help build the mentoring relationship. The more thought-provoking the questions the better insights you will have about the situations they face. For example, what do you really want to achieve? What are you doing right now that's helping you achieve that goal? What are your biggest challenges? What are you most worried about? What will you do differently tomorrow? It will take some practice, but thinking up killer mentoring questions will soon become second nature.

- [Student] What if something comes up that's outside my area of expertise?

- [Teacher] During your conversations your mentee may ask you a question that's difficult or challenging to answer. Be totally honest when you simply don't know or are uncomfortable about providing the answer, but offer to do what you can to help. For example, by doing some research and coming back to them or putting them in touch with someone with the relevant expertise. Honesty is important for relationship building. And remember you are not expected to have all the answers all of the time. It's okay to ask for help. © 2022 Mind Tools by Emerald Works Limited.