You've got a new mentor/mentee. Great! Now,Learn about our mentorship approach so you can get the most out of your time together. Let’s dive in, shall we? what!? If you've never had a mentor or mentee before, no sweat. This is what we're here for!

What Does a Successful Mentorship Look Like?

The short answer is that you get to decide what a successful mentorship looks like to you. Whether it’s one call for some quick answers or weekly calls that lead to your next job, we’re here to see you achieve what’s best for you. Here are a few tips to make the best of your time with your mentor or mentee.

A Step-By-Step Guide to a Creating A Dynamic Mentorship Relationship

Ready to get started? Here are a few steps for making it happen:

1. Work Backwards From Your End Goal

*Olivia Pope voice* “What do you want?!” That reference is probably giving millennial, but the point still stands. You signed up to be a mentor or a mentee for a reason, what was it? If your answer is something “to grow my career” or “to figure out what to do with my life,” you’re going to need to hone in a littttttle more. Y’all know about SMART goals, right? A little refresher: S(pecific) M(easurable) A(chievable) T(imebound). An example from “to grow my career” might be something like “to talk to my boss about a promotion by my quarterly review.” See how that’s less overwhelming? Plus, you’ll know when you’ve achieved it so you can celebrate. Remember, the goal for your mentorship program can be a baby step towards a longer-term goal.

2. Set Clear Boundaries

Once you know the “what” it’s time to define the “how.” If you’re a mentor, for example, be clear with your mentee about how you want to communicate. You could say something like “I prefer texting if it’s during the weekday, but please email me if something comes up in the evening or on the weekend so that I can check it when I’m back at my desk.” For everyone, don’t confuse your free time with your availability. Setting boundaries around communication as well as how often and when you’ll meet will help clear up any confusion and will make your relationship run more smoothly. 

3. Be Consistent with Communication

Running a few minutes late? Have to cancel tomorrow’s meeting? Overwhelmed and afraid you’ll be checked out on your facetime call? Communication is key, babe. Sometimes our brains tell us to shut down or avoid because we’re afraid of disappointing someone, but it is always better to stay in communication. It’s respectful of everyone’s time and energy and gives the other person an opportunity to support you. 

4. Keep an Open Mind and Learn from Each Other

Focused, fiercely motivated, and ambitious may be a few ways that you describe yourself. But what about “good listener?” What about “flexible” or “open-minded?” These traits are essential to learning and growing from this experience. It can be hard, especially if you get a little tough love from your mentor, but it’s a worthwhile practice. Mentors, don’t forget – you can learn just as much as your mentee in this experience. While mentors have wisdom to impart, they are not infallible either. Both of you can stretch outside of your comfort zones during your mentorship.

5. Don't Be Afraid to Ask Questions

Mentors are there to help you—it’s a judgment-free zone. There are no stupid questions. Wondering about the difference between UX and UI or what the hell a smart casual dress code is? Mentors want to see their mentees succeed, so ask away. And mentors, if you don’t know the answer, don’t be afraid to tell them you’ll get back to them, help them do the research, or introduce them to someone who would know. You don’t have to have all the answers.  And don’t forget, you can ask your mentee for help as well. (Please fill us in on the new TikTok dances.)

6. Air It Out

Most people don’t like confrontation, but we’re all human and conflict is bound to come up every now and again. Sometimes, especially over text and email, things can get lost in translation. If you have a miscommunication, try chatting calmly in person or (we know, we know) over the phone. We’re here to see each other win, so consider this a safe space. If the situation needs a bit more attention, always feel free to email us at info@womenwhocreate.org for support.

7. Practice Gratitude

On both sides of the equation, there are things to be thankful for. Whether you’re writing a heartfelt letter to your mentor about how much you’ve learned from them or you’re keeping a private journal of the things you learned not to do as a mentor, remember to take the time out to reflect on your experience during and after your mentorship program.

Whether your mentorship is for a season or a lifetime, we hope it will be a meaningful part of your professional life. We wish you the best of luck on your mentorship adventure. Feel free to reach out to us with any questions.

Written by: Krista White

Edited by: Shaunah Margaret