The purpose of this orientationis to ensure that mentors are

knowledgeable about the structureof the program and comfortable

with their roles and responsibilities.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

• Welcome and Introductions

• Program Overview

• Definition of the mentor/protégérelationship

• Functions of a mentor

• Getting Started

• Establishing Expectations

• Setting Goals

• Agreeing on a Plan

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

Mentoring is a voluntary relationship in which the mentor serves as:

• Advocate

Advisor

Friend

Mentoring is a two way relationship that is unique because:

The mentor and protégé are both volunteers

The mentor, although senior, has no formal authority over the protégé

Listening

Teaching skills

Acting as an advocate

Giving exposure to opportunities Increasing protégé’s visibility

• Access

Advice

Advocacy

Advice

Begins with listening Help protégé make decisions,

don’t make decisions for them Give “how-to” advice on practical

matters Don’t give personal advice: listen and let the protégé talk through a problem

Access Connect protégé with people or

resources that might not otherwisebe available

Introduce protégé to colleagues• Show protégé how to find

information on colleges,scholarships, jobs

Advocacy

An advocate speaks on behalf of a protégé

As an advocate, the mentor links his reputation with the protégé’s

Advocacy is earned over time

Self-Assessment of: Motivation

Expectations

•Background

• Limitations

• Fears

• Assets

Why did your mentor devote his/her time to YOU?

• He saw my potential

• She saw my untapped potential

• He identified with me

• I was eager to be a protégé

She saw some positive things we could work on to our mutual

benefit

Agreeing on a Plan

• Frequency and structure of meetings

• Tasks to be accomplished

• Target dates

Do:

• Listen actively

• Model appropriate behavior• Be realistic and dependable

• Give honest feedback

• Show respect

• Maintain confidentiality

•Start and end on a positive note

• Learn from your protégé

• Let your protégé know what you're gaining from the relationship

Do:

•State clear expectations

Do:

• Have fun

• Help your protégé discover the nature of his/her genius

Don’t:

• Intimidate protégé

• Act preoccupied

• Promise what you can’t deliver

• Sugar-coat negatives

•Jump to conclusions

Don’t:

• Ignore cultural or ethnic differences• Assume what works for you will work for everyone

• Reveal confidences

• Give personal advice

• Put off meetings

Don’t:

• Assume responsibility for protégé’s success

• Rush the process

• Cancel meetings repeatedly