The keys to a successful mentoring relationship include:
Mutual respect and understanding
Active listening
Meeting on a regular schedule (and keeping those meetings)
Establishing clear goals and expectations
Keeping discussions confidential
For the Mentee:
Set realistic expectations
Welcome your mentor's insights and concerns
Be open to feedback
Be open and sincere about your needs and areas for growth
Communicate problems clearly and contribute ideas for solving them
Embrace your own learning process and your successes
For the Mentor:
Set realistic expectations for the relationship and for your mentee
Be available, to the greatest extent possible, whenever your mentee has a need
Maintain consistent contact to help the relationship develop
Listen with empathy and be open-minded to your mentee's needs and opinions
Make a conscious effort to develop the relationship through regular communication
Share your own successes and failures