MENTEES
◆ Motivation is key . The mentee is the driver in the relationship and must accept that role rather than viewing it as a relationship where the mentor simply takes charge . Mentees must be motivated to stay engaged and to work toward achieving results .
◆ Keep expectations realistic . You and your mentor should discuss expectations of each other and the relationship . For example , discuss how often you ' ll meet or what areas you ’ ll work on . When there ' s a change in expectations , discuss this , too . Relationships grow and change and so do expectations , so those agreed upon early on may not be the same later .
◆ Think commitment , not lip service . Regular , ongoing contact is one of the most important building blocks for successful mentoring . Agree with your mentor to meet on a regular and ongoing basis and avoid canceling appointments .
◆ Define your contact expectations . How frequently will you expect to get in touch with one another ? Discuss any existing family , practice , or volunteer commitments you may have that impact your contact expectations for this mentoring connection .
◆ Give back and get more . Take time to share examples of how you have benefitted from the relationship and to say “ thank you .” Sharing how a mentor has been helpful in the past gives the mentor guidance on how to be helpful in the future .
MENTORS
◆ Remember your authenticity . As a mentor you are not asked to be perfect or to have all the answers , but simply to be genuine and willing to help in the best way you can as the unique person you are .
◆ Link the mentee to important resources . This can involve books and professional associations . It may also include opening your networking connections and sharing them with the mentee , as appropriate .
◆ Facilitate your mentee ’ s increased self-confidence . Provide feedback on the areas of growth the mentee is gaining through the mentoring relationship . Growth is not only limited to gaining expertise , but also growing as an individual .
◆ Guide your mentee in the specific topic , task or issue at hand . This guiding can take several forms . A mentor can provide a roadmap if the issue is unfamiliar to the mentee . Or the mentor can simply provide a listening ear if the mentee has experience in the area and is only in need of validating what he / she is proposing to do .
If you want ideas for meeting up with your mentee or mentor in person , some suggestions are : get together for lunch or dinner , shadow the mentor at his or her office , attend a district or local society meeting or spend time volunteering at a clinic together .
These tips will help you on your way , but get started with a mentoring relationship by enrolling in PDA ’ s Connections program . Contact Andrea Hoover via email at ach @ padental . org or ( 800 ) 223-0016 , ext . 123 , to enroll now as a mentor or mentee — Get Connected !
Save the date for members in the York and Lancaster area : a Connections Kick-off event will be held in the York / Lancaster area for mentors and mentees in the late summer or early fall 2014 . Stay tuned to PDA ’ s website and social media for additional details .
M AY / J U N 2 0 1 4 | P E N N S Y LVA N I A D E N TA L J O U R N A L 1 3