To be involved in a mentoring relationship is a privilege for both participants, and as a result it is important to be gracious and thoughtful towards each other. Some basic characteristics of what makes the ideal mentee are:

• Being open to meeting new people

• Being open to learning about oneself and others

• Keeping in touch and maintaining regular contact

• Showing up on time to meetings with a mentor

• Communicating in a timely way when plans have changed

Remember that you’ll bring something positive to the mentor/mentee relationship. Your qualities and strengths can be showing gratitude when people help you, having a positive attitude, being loyal and coachable. Remember that you have a lot to offer others, even though some people may not respond to your requests. The strengths you have can help you to keep going even in the face of challenges.

Getting help and being mentored is not a one-way street, and you have a lot to offer to a mentor in a mentoring relationship. The point is to understand that you will bring something positive to new relationships just by being who you are AND that you are not just trying to get something from others by asking for help or support of some kind.

What are the CORE commitments?

Mentoring is a partnership between two individuals, the mentor and the mentee. The mentee will absorb the mentor’s knowledge and have the ambition and desire to know what to do with this knowledge. The mentee needs to practice and demonstrate what has been learned, measure how interactive the connection between the mentor and mentee will be, decides upon the amount of help and guidance he/she needs and the mentee should take the initiative to ask for help or advice. Generally, there are some CORE commitments that can help guide you to attract mentors and to develop a successful mentor mentee relationship. CORE commitments refers to an acronym for basic responsibilities of a mentee like communication, openness, respect and engagement.

1. C is for Communication

   • Develop a schedule and plan, share opinions about what you like and don’t like

2. O is for Openness

   • Talk and share things about yourself

   • Think about what you want your mentor to know about you and what you want to know about him or her; receptive

3. R is for Respect

   • Be on time and ready for your meetings

   • Make and keep plans

   • Honor and respect the relationship

   • Listen to your mentor’s opinions

   • Show appreciation and gratitude

4. E is for Engagement

   • Participate in conversations and activities

Pro Tip

The most successful mentees are those who are motivated and feel empowered to plan and manage the direction of their professional life. They take responsibility for their development, learning, and professional growth. Further, they come to the mentor/mentee relationship open to coaching, feedback, and guidance from the mentor.