Goal of Mentorship Relationship
Support and enhance the professional and academic development of the mentee across a broad spectrum of needs:
- Board prep
- Interaction with patients
- Success in research
- Work-Life Balance
- Career Development and job search
- Residency/fellowship application
- Leadership
- Life in the military
- Networking in the surgical community
- Political and Social Advocacy
- Coming out and living loud
Objectives of the First Meeting
- Determine the specific needs of the mentee
- Discuss expectations from both mentor and mentee, regarding time set aside for a face-to-face meeting, communication schedule, and deliverables.
- Formulate a plan of action
Stages of the Mentorship Relationship
This should serve as a broad sketch of how the relationship can look. We are hoping that the true value and structure of the mentor-mentee relationship will grow organically over time.
- Exploration: Exploring the issues and needs. This must be mentee-driven – 1 to 2 meetings
- Understanding: Gaining a greater understanding of the areas of need, exploring challenges and strengths, and establishing priorities. – 1 to 2 meetings
- Action Planning: Encouraging creative approaches for overcoming issues and barriers for growth in desired areas. – all subsequent meetings
Tips for Success – Mentees
The mentee should drive the agenda and be as proactive as possible with identifying the areas of need.
- Initiate contact
- Identify your areas of need
- Be reliable and punctual
- Maintain an open mind, and do not be afraid to be challenged
- Be flexible – things may change and everyone is very busy – the key is appropriate communication and mutual respect
- Be open and vulnerable
- Set goals and be flexible as goals may change throughout the mentorship process
Tip for Success – Mentors
- Allow the mentee to lead the agenda
- Be approachable and engage in active listening
- Empower the mentee to find their own solutions to their concerns rather than suggest solutions.
- Avoid having ALL the answers
- Enable the mentee to verbalize his or her plan
- Respect the vulnerability and openness of mentees
- Provide resources for success – advice about books, podcasts, organizations to join
How to Prepare for a Meeting
Before the meeting, some homework may be needed:
- Make sure you have a clear understanding of what you want to obtain from the conversation
- Be concise – what are the most pressing issues you want to cover?
- Provide background information that may be useful to your mentor
- Set up a quiet place for focused discussion
After the meeting:
- Reflect on the discussions
- Follow up on tasks – hopefully self-appointed
- Follow up with you mentor
- Communicate gratitude – it flows both ways!