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Phases
of Mentoring Relationships
| Phase |
Description |
| Building
Relationship |
-Mentor
and mentee become acquainted and informally clarify their common
interests, shared values, and professional goals
-Mentoring interaction fosters mutual interest and enthusiasm
-Mentor and mentee establish rapport & trust with each other
-Mentee imagines mentor will support him/her in a significant way
-Mentor begins to visualize mentee as coachable, enjoyable to work
with, someone with potential |
| Developing
Common Expectations |
-Mentor
and mentee communicate initial expectations and agree upon some
common procedures and expectations as a starting point
-Goals and expected outcomes of the mentoring relationship are developed
by the mentor and mentee together |
| Developing
Mentee |
-Gradually,
needs are fulfilled. Objectives are met. Professional growth takes
place. New challenges are presented and achieved
-Both parties serve their maximum range of functions in their roles
-Expectations are reinforced or modified through discovery of the
real value of the relationship
-Satisfaction and mutual exchange are at their peak
-Mutual confidence develops between the mentor and mentee |
| Ending
Formal Relationship |
-The
relationship and its functions change due to personal or organizational
shifts
-There is a sense of loss, combined with excitement about new directions
-Contact frequency decreases
-Since developmental tasks have changed for both parties, the relationship
either evolves a new form or dissolves
-The individuals redefine their relationship as colleagues, peers,
and/or friends |
There are several
key points to take away from the above:
- Clarifying
expectations involves:
- determining
the frequency of contact, the availability, and the accessibility
of the mentor and mentee
- the amount
and kind of support that are needed by the mentee or that can be
provided by the mentor
- the various
roles the mentor finds comfortable.
- The
mentor and the mentee need to anticipate, communicate, and manage
the challenges inherent in these phases.
- Know that
these phases are part of the cycle, and can help both parties avoid
personalizing "failures."
- A single mentor
is highly unlikely to meet all the mentee's needs.
- The mentee
and mentor both have developmental needs that can be met in the
relationship. If these needs are not complementary, interaction
can be frustrated.
- Ending the
formal relationship involves the mentor and mentee planning for
and talking about this, evaluating the process and their accomplishments,
discussing future options (more formal relationship, ongoing mentoring
relationship, friendship).
- The greatest
challenges to a mentoring relationship are finding time and energy,
selecting goals/objectives, keeping momentum going, and giving effective
feedback.
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