168 | COSERE 3.3. Roles of mentor and mentee From fostering confidentiality in the relationship to sharing core values, there are several responsibilities that both mentors and mentees should take on to cultivate a successful and mutually beneficial relationship. Here are 11 roles and responsibilities of both mentors and mentees: • Foster Confidentiality A mentor should provide guidance and support, while a mentee should be coachable and willing to learn. Additionally, a mentee should have an open mind, be respectful, and be able to take feedback positively. Most importantly, both the mentor and mentee should maintain confidentiality. A good mentor-mentee relationship is built on trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to learning. The best relationships are those in which both parties are equally invested in the success of the mentee. • Recap, Recap, Update Mentees should look to end a mentor session by recapping the main takeaways from the conversation. This shows the mentor that the mentee was listening but also allows the mentor and mentee to establish an action plan to establish momentum for their next meeting. A mentee should then send a recap email to the mentor with a thank you, a summary of the session, and the next steps that the mentee will take. These email recaps are again a way to show a mentor that a mentee was listening, and to establish a log of activity that can be referenced if necessary, at a later date. Finally, the next mentor session should begin with an update on progress on the action items. This again shows the mentor that the mentee was listening and took action on any advice. Mentee and mentor relationships are successful when there’s great communication and progress. To ensure communication and progress is made, share the recap, send the recap, and follow back with an update. • Cultivate a Teacher and Pupil Relationship A mentor must be a skilled teacher, and a mentee must be a skilled pupil. By this, I mean a mentor should not only serve as a positive role model but should also know how to offer guidance effectively. Likewise, a mentee should crave this guidance and be teachable. The mentor’s advice shouldn’t just go in one ear and out the other. The mentee needs to let the shared wisdom sink in and then apply it. Having these attributes or defined roles makes the mentor/mentee relationship successful because it’s all about give and take.
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