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Before beginning conversations with your mentee about career options, it is important to establish a positive relationship. Successful mentoring relationships involve consistent interaction between the mentor and mentee that is predictable. One strategy is to establish a schedule of meetings (the same day of the week for example) that includes a clear start and end to your time together. Using conversation tools such as "Highs & Lows" and "Appreciations" can create a predictable routine and establish rapport. If you demonstrate caring and sensitivity to your mentee, you can gently “stretch and build” your mentee's comfort level to develop a stronger relationship as you use these strategies.
These Tools Can Serve as Great Conversation Starters:
These Tools Can Serve as Great Conversation Starters:
Highs & Lows:
Using “Highs & Lows” involves asking your mentee about good experiences they have had since you last met. You can ask questions like, “Tell me about the best thing that happened to you last week?” When you first begin meeting with your mentee, it is better to only ask about positive experiences. However, once both of you feel more comfortable and you have established a level of rapport with your mentee, you can begin to ask about “Lows.” For example, you might ask your mentee to tell you about something that did not go well last week and how they handled it. You could follow up by asking what they think they can do to avoid having this happen again.
Appreciations:
Using “Appreciations” is a positive way to end your interaction with your mentee. Both of you share something or someone you appreciate, or that you are grateful for. Asking a few follow-up questions can help you understand how your mentee’s values better. You might ask why they are grateful for it, whether they can share that information with the person, or how they show their appreciation.
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