On this page you can find some Do's and Don'ts for mentors as well as mentees. We hope that this will set you up for a productive relationship!
Mentor DOs
- Start out with clear agreements on frequency and mode of contact
- Commit to at least three hours of interaction, spread across the full timeframe.
- Take the initiative to build the relationship.
- Honor all appointments and set aside time for mentoring.
- Be flexible with meeting times, channels and venues.
- Maintain frequent communication through various channels.
- Respond to your mentee's emails within 2 days.
- Keep shared information confidential.
- Establish open and honest communication.
- Encourage creativity, independence, and self-confidence.
- Provide honest and timely feedback.
- Offer opportunities for discussion and questioning.
- Above all, listen.
Mentor DON'Ts
- Avoid giving advice on everything—focus on areas of expertise.
- Don’t encourage dependence; foster independence.
- Share personal experiences only if they are constructive.
- Don’t be too busy for your mentee—communicate your availability.
- Avoid criticism; provide constructive feedback instead.
Mentee DOs
- Establish Clear Goals: Create a goal outline with short- and long-term learning objectives. You can consider using your development goals from your personal development plan as a basis. Discuss these at a first meeting with your mentor.
Take Initiative: Show genuine interest by actively initiating mentoring sessions and discussions. Use your goals as a guide, but approach each session authentically—finding a style that feels natural to you.
Be Prepared: Bring specific topics, questions, or challenges to your discussions to ensure productive sessions. When you have a meeting scheduled, make sure to have a meeting agenda ready with questions you want to ask or topics you want to discuss.
Show Appreciation: Acknowledge the time and insights your mentor shares with you. Building a positive and respectful relationship is key.
Set Boundaries: Respect your mentor’s time and role. Avoid expecting them to fast-track your career advancement or assist with personal matters. Make sure to align on communication channels and frequency.
Reflect and Take Action: Apply what you learn, reflect on insights, and continue growing as a professional and as part of the AMS community.
Mentee DON'Ts
- Come unprepared: Don’t show up to meetings without specific questions or goals.
- Over-Rely on Your Mentor: Don’t expect your mentor to solve all your problems or find opportunities for you.
- Ignore Feedback: Don’t dismiss constructive criticism—act on it and use it to improve.
- Fail to Communicate: Don’t be passive—keep your mentor updated on your progress and challenges.
- Disrespect Their Time: Don’t be late, unorganized, or over-demanding of their time.
- Lack Clear Goals: Don’t enter the relationship without defining what you want to achieve.
- Have Unrealistic Expectations: Don’t expect quick fixes or constant availability.
- Neglect Follow-Up: Don’t forget to follow up on advice or thank your mentor for their time.
- Be Close-Minded: Don’t reject new ideas or feedback just because they’re uncomfortable or different.
- Focus Only on Yourself: Don’t treat the relationship as a one-way street—value your mentor’s time and experience too.
Practical info
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