Agree on the conversation
Discuss what the participant wants to develop, what the mentor can offer and how meetings will work. A mentor is not automatically a sponsor, employer or professional adviser. Establish boundaries around confidential information and avoid promising opportunities that the mentor does not control. A focused relationship can be valuable without being framed as a guaranteed career outcome.
Review the usefulness
End meetings with a small next step and return to it at the next conversation. Ask whether the format remains useful and whether another type of support would better address the issue. Keep learning goals flexible as the participant’s responsibilities change. A program should give participants a way to raise concerns about fit or conduct without depending on the mentor to resolve them.
A short working checklist
- Agree on goals, boundaries and meeting expectations.
- Keep next steps small and observable.
- Provide a way to discuss concerns about fit.
Further reading
General educational material. Requirements depend on the actual activity and jurisdiction.