Effective Mentorship: How to Prepare for the First Meeting and Ask the Right Questions | xoreni

Summary

In this video, Renny discusses the importance of mentorship and how to make the most of your first meeting with a mentor. She emphasizes the need to understand the purpose of the mentorship and to prepare well by researching the mentor beforehand. Renny suggests starting with an introduction and then asking specific questions related to career progression. She provides examples of questions to ask, such as about their career journey, challenges faced, and advice for growth. Renny also advises on how to handle the end of the meeting, including expressing interest in continuing the mentorship and sending a thank you note afterwards.

Takeaways

• 😀 The initial mentorship meeting is an opportunity to get to know the mentor and decide if you want to continue the relationship.
• 🔍 Before entering a mentorship, understand the purpose of the relationship and ensure your questions align with that purpose.
• 👤 It's important to research your mentor beforehand to know their background and expertise.
• 🗣️ As a mentee, take the initiative to run the meeting and come prepared with an agenda and questions.
• 👋 Start the meeting with an introduction of yourself and your goals for the mentorship.
• ❄️ Use icebreakers to establish a personal connection and find common ground with your mentor.
• 📝 Prepare a list of specific questions related to career progression or other areas you want to learn about.
• 🚀 Ask about pivotal steps your mentor took in their career and any mistakes they made to learn from their experiences.
• 🤔 Pose situational questions to get advice on specific challenges or scenarios you're facing.
• 🤝 Inquire about what your mentor values in a mentee and what they believe makes a mentorship relationship mutually beneficial.
• 💌 Always send a thank you note after the meeting to express gratitude for their time and insights.

Q & A

What is the main purpose of a first meeting with a potential mentor?

The main purpose of a first meeting with a potential mentor is to get to know them, understand their background and expertise, and decide if you want to continue the mentorship relationship.

Why is it important to know the purpose of the mentorship relationship before starting?

Knowing the purpose of the mentorship relationship is important because it guides the direction of the questions you ask and the topics you discuss, ensuring that the mentorship aligns with your specific goals and needs.

How should one prepare for a mentorship meeting?

One should prepare for a mentorship meeting by researching the mentor, preparing an introduction about themselves and their goals, and having a list of specific questions related to their mentorship objectives.

What are some icebreakers that can be used to start a mentorship meeting?

Icebreakers can include mentioning common interests or experiences found on the mentor's profile, such as working at the same company or running a podcast, to build rapport and create a comfortable conversational environment.

Why is it important to have questions prepared for a mentorship meeting?

Having questions prepared ensures that the meeting is productive and that you cover all the topics you wish to discuss. It also helps to keep the conversation flowing and provides a fallback if the discussion stalls.

What type of questions should one ask during a mentorship meeting focused on career progression?

Questions should be focused on the mentor's career journey, their experiences, and advice for career advancement. Examples include asking about pivotal steps in their career, the value of formal education like an MBA, and how to handle situations where one feels underqualified for a role.

How can situational questions benefit a mentorship meeting?

Situational questions allow the mentor to provide specific advice tailored to the mentee's current challenges or experiences, making the mentorship more practical and applicable to real-life scenarios.

What are some examples of situational questions to ask during a mentorship meeting?

Examples include asking for advice on receiving constructive criticism, selling an idea to stakeholders, preparing for a performance review, and improving delegation skills.

Why is it important to discuss the value of mentorship and what both parties can contribute during the first meeting?

Discussing the value of mentorship and mutual contributions helps set expectations and ensures that both the mentor and mentee understand and agree on the goals and benefits of the relationship.

How should one follow up after a mentorship meeting?

One should send a thank you note expressing gratitude for the mentor's time and insights. This follow-up helps to leave a positive impression and maintain the connection for future interactions.