Mentoring Future Leaders

Mentoring Future Leaders
Option 2: Setting the Tone for the First
Session
The first time you meet each other can be a time of nervousness on both
sides. As this may set the mood and the ethos for the future of the
relationship, it is important to think about the following.
• Who takes the initiative – you or them?
• Where do you meet – at work or away from work? Do you go to them
or do they come to you?
• Agree how long the first meeting will be in advance. It is good
discipline to show that you are going to manage the time of meetings
productively from the start.
• Prepare a list of three or four things to talk about to get the
conversation going. Make these fairly neutral to break the ice, and
make the learner comfortable.
• Prepare a short introduction of yourself – tell them a few things about
yourself. Anticipate what they might want to know.
• You need to listen more than talk.
• Remember that they may be more nervous than you.
Reminders
The Agenda
It is good to get some broad agreement about the basic agenda of the
session.
• Decide on the broad areas.
• Are your sessions going to be free-flowing, or are they going to be
more structured? (Start initially with more structure)
• Get agreement on what each session is going to be about at the
outset.
• Who takes charge, or takes the lead in setting the agenda?
• Should I keep records?
• Will I have to make assessments or decisions about the performance
of the mentee in any way?
© Learning Link International
April 2005
Module 5 - The Mentoring Process Page ! 1