Managing Expectations: What to Ask for in a Mentorship
Setting clear expectations is essential for a successful mentorship. As a mentee, you might have a lot of aspirations and goals, but to make the relationship work effectively, you need to communicate these expectations early on. Establishing what to ask for in your mentorship ensures that both you and your mentor are aligned, making the experience more productive and meaningful. Here’s a guide to help you manage expectations and ask for the right things in your mentorship journey.
1. Be Clear About Your Goals
One of the first things you should communicate to your mentor is your goals. Whether it’s career advancement, developing a new skill, or gaining insight into a specific industry, clarity about what you hope to achieve will set the foundation for your mentorship. This allows your mentor to tailor their advice and guidance to your specific needs.
- What to Ask: “How can you help me achieve my goal of [specific goal]? What steps should we take together to get there?”
- Why it’s important: Clearly stating your goals helps your mentor understand how they can provide the most relevant support, and it helps you stay focused on what you want to achieve during the mentorship.
2. Discuss Frequency and Duration of Meetings
It’s important to establish how often you will meet and the length of the mentorship relationship. Both you and your mentor may have busy schedules, so setting a clear structure for meetings will help manage time expectations and keep the relationship organized.
- What to Ask: “How frequently should we meet? What works best for your schedule, and should we plan our sessions ahead of time?”
- Why it’s important: Agreeing on the frequency and duration of your meetings ensures that both parties are committed to the process and that there is enough time to achieve your goals.
3. Define Communication Preferences
People have different communication styles, and understanding how your mentor prefers to communicate will help you avoid misunderstandings. Whether it’s email, phone calls, video chats, or in-person meetings, defining these preferences early on will ensure smoother interactions.
- What to Ask: “How do you prefer to communicate between meetings? Should I email you, send a message on LinkedIn, or schedule calls when I need advice?”
- Why it’s important: Knowing your mentor’s preferred communication method ensures that you can reach out when necessary without causing inconvenience.
4. Set Expectations for Feedback
Feedback is a critical component of mentorship. However, the way feedback is given and received can vary. Some mentors may be more direct, while others may be more reserved. Clarifying how feedback will be delivered helps you prepare and respond more effectively.
- What to Ask: “How will you provide feedback on my progress? What’s the best way for me to receive feedback so I can improve?”
- Why it’s important: By understanding your mentor’s feedback style, you can mentally prepare to accept constructive criticism and act on it in a productive way.
5. Establish Boundaries and Limits
A mentorship relationship requires respect for boundaries, especially considering that your mentor may have a busy schedule and other responsibilities. It’s important to discuss what boundaries should be respected to ensure the relationship remains professional and beneficial for both parties.
- What to Ask: “Are there any specific boundaries or limitations I should be aware of when seeking your advice? What’s the best way to respect your time and availability?”
- Why it’s important: Establishing boundaries early on ensures that you respect your mentor’s time and avoid overstepping. It also fosters a professional relationship that remains focused on your growth.
6. Ask for Long-Term Development Opportunities
While short-term goals are important, it’s also valuable to discuss long-term growth opportunities. A good mentor can help you see beyond immediate challenges and encourage you to develop a broader vision for your career or personal development.
- What to Ask: “How can we work together to build a long-term development plan? What should I be focusing on for future growth beyond this mentorship?”
- Why it’s important: Long-term planning helps ensure that the mentorship relationship leaves you with lasting benefits, setting you up for success even after the mentorship ends.
7. Clarify Expectations for Accountability
Part of a mentor’s role is to hold you accountable for your progress. Understanding how your mentor plans to keep you accountable and how you should report your development will help you stay on track and take full ownership of your growth.
- What to Ask: “How should I track and report my progress? What’s the best way for you to hold me accountable for my goals?”
- Why it’s important: Establishing accountability keeps you focused on the tasks at hand and ensures that both you and your mentor are committed to tracking progress.
Conclusion
Managing expectations in a mentorship relationship is crucial for both parties to feel satisfied and productive. By being clear about your goals, communication preferences, and feedback needs, you set the stage for a successful mentorship experience. Remember, mentorship is a two-way relationship built on mutual respect and open communication, and asking the right questions helps lay the groundwork for an impactful journey.