Getting the most out of mentoring
Roles and Responsibilities
Mentor’s Role:
Mentors are passionate about supporting others by sharing their knowledge, expertise and experience and offer valuable ideas and advice when appropriate.
Becoming a mentor is a great way to stay connected with the wider community and an opportunity to make a positive impact within the organisation. In addition, mentors often express satisfaction from passing on knowledge and playing a role in the development of their colleagues. Mentors are there to:
- Encourage the mentee’s development.
- Provide guidance on career development.
- Share experiences and knowledge.
- Offer constructive feedback and support.
- Maintain confidentiality and a safe learning environment.
- Encourage self-reflection and critical thinking.
"My experience of mentoring is not about solving problems, it is about a transformational journey that I take with my mentee. I believe I benefit as much from being a mentor as my mentee. The opportunity to talk through challenges a mentee may experience provides a different perspective for both of us. The diversity of my mentees provides fresh insights that enable me to appreciate other people's perspectives, developing my own self-awareness.’’ Dr Liza Howe-Walsh (Mentor), Reader of International Human Resource Management, DBA, MSc, BA (Hons), PG CERT Ed, SFHEA, MCIPD.
Possible Mentoring Outcomes
- Understanding best practice
- Knowledge about the institution, processes and practices
- Sharing relevant experiences
- Useful techniques and methods
- Work through challenges with new ideas and honest feedback
- Providing input to develop specific skills eg. leadership
- Supporting development of soft skills eg. communication
- Supporting with problem-solving
- Strategies for time management
- Skills gained in discipline area
- Discussions around career pathways
- Supporting with networking, introductions and connections
- Guidance with applications and interviews
- Signposting to training and development opportunities
- Bounce ideas off a critical friend
Mentee’s Role:
Mentees can be any member of staff who would find it useful to have a neutral mentor who can help them identify and achieve specific objectives. Mentees are passionate about growing professionally, learning new skills, navigating their career path and expanding their professional networks. Mentees should:
- Communicate their goals and challenges openly.
- Be proactive and take ownership of the relationship.
- Accept feedback and different perspectives.
- Take initiative in scheduling and preparing for meetings.
- Reflect on sessions and integrate learning into practice.
"One of the reasons I would really recommend having a mentor is not only the knowledge and coaching you receive, but also the reassurance you get from it. None of us are the finished article and it is encouraging to hear what your mentor has learnt along the way in terms of what they have focused on, how to handle certain situations and what techniques/ coping strategies they have tried which work for them. I realise my mentor is also still learning, and that has given me tremendous confidence and faith in my own ability.." Anonymous (Mentee)
Planning for the Mentoring Relationship
Pre-first session, the Mentee should:
- Clarify Their Goals – Identify what they want to achieve from the mentorship (e.g., career advice, skill development, networking).
- Prepare Questions – Come with specific questions about career growth, challenges, or industry insights.
- Reflect on Their Own Journey – Consider strengths, weaknesses, and key experiences to provide context to the mentor.
- Set Expectations – Think about what kind of guidance they seek and be ready to discuss communication preferences.
- Be Open-Minded – Stay receptive to feedback and different perspectives.
- Bring a Notepad or Digital Tool – It is the mentee’s responsibility to take notes on insights, advice, and action items discussed.