FAQs ON MENTORING

Claude Levi-Strauss once said “The wise man doesn’t give the right answers, he poses the right questions.” The best way to acquire knowledge is to ask. As with other uncharted territories, there are common questions asked on the issue of mentoring. Here are some of them:

• Q: How do I get a mentor?

A: Finding a mentor is not hard as, it sounds. The first step you need to take is to find yourself. Recognize the area you need mentoring in. After you have done this, position yourself strategically. Try to get close to the person you might want to mentor you. Try as much as you can to avoid the “will you be my mentor? Question”, but pick up any learning you can from them. Also try to add value to them in any way you can. You would be surprised at how easy it is,

• Q: Can I have more than one mentor?

A: Yes, you can. Provided they are in different fields. For instance, you can have one mentor for finance and investments, and have another one for marriage, and yet another one for parenting. What you should not do is have more than one mentor in one field/area. If you do not trust the advice of a person, then they should not be your mentor.

• Q: Is mentorship free?

A: Most times you find your mentor from around you, your networks and connections. Most mentoring relationships are free. However some are not. This is an attempt to make the relationship balanced; that is, while the mentee gains from the mentor, the mentor should also have a tangible gain. That said, it is a rare situation.

• Q: What do I gain from being a mentor?

A: A mentor also gains from a mentoring relationship. A mentor gains fulfillment of purpose from helping and mentoring another. Besides there is no knowing what can also be learnt from the mentee.

• Q: Can a person be a mentor and mentee at the same time?

A: Yes, a person can be a mentor in one field and a mentee in another. It is one of the beauties of being a human, the ability to teach and learn.

• Q: How long should a mentoring relationship last?

A: There is no universally stated timeline for a mentoring relationship. However, according to an Olivet Nazarene study, the average length of a mentor-mentee relationship is 3.3 years.

• Q: How do I figure out my mentee’s goals?

A: At the initiation of a mentoring relationship, both parties need to discuss their individual goals and expectations for the relationship. It is at this stage that your mentee’s goals are revealed. Evaluate to see they fit into the SMART criteria.

• Q: How often should a mentor and mentee meet?

A: There is no rule here. Mentor and mentee have to decide on what works for them and fit in their schedule. Although, some say both parties should have meetings once every week for the first six months, but this is not cast in binding.

• Q: Do mentors and mentees have to be of the same gender?

A: It is advised that mentors and mentees be of the same gender. There are certain issues a person will not be comfortable discussing with the opposite gender. Both parties will be able to relate better and there are also complications such as sexual harassment or rumour of it that can be avoided.

• Q: How do I learn from my mentor?

A: As a mentee it is your duty to ask the questions; that is the how you can learn.

• Q: How do I make use of mentorship platforms?

A: Most mentorship platforms are straightforward and easy to use. You register on the platform with your details, then you give more details into why and for what you need a mentor. After this, you are paired with a compatible mentor.

• Q: Is coaching the same as mentoring?

A: Although they are similar that they are sometimes used interchangeably, they are different. Coaching is usually performance-driven and for a shorter period, compared to mentoring that is more development-driven and usually lasts for long periods.

• Q: Can I mentor my mentor?

A: Yes, you can. Mentoring has to do with experience. If there is an area you are good at that you mentor needs help in, you can mentor them.

• Q: What is reverse mentoring?

A: Reverse mentoring is a concept in mentoring, where a person with more experience is mentored by someone with less experience. This usually happen in corporate communities, especially in the area of technology, to help older colleagues develop the tech know-how.

• Q: Who do I choose to be my mentor?

A: Recognize the area you need help in, and find the person that has experience in the said area and learn from them. They could be family, friends or colleagues.

• Q: When is the best time to have a mentor?

A: It is better to have a mentor as early as possible. A mentor gives you an advantage, like a head start. The best time to have a mentor is now.

• Q: What happens when I have to leave a mentoring relationship?

A: This rarely happens. However, if you have to, leave amicably, and don’t burn bridges; you never know when you’ll need them.

• Q: What do I need to become a mentor?

A: The major criteria to be a mentor are relevant knowledge and experience. You also have to be willing to help someone rise.

• Q: What do I do if I’m not connecting with my mentee?

A: The first step is to be open and honest, discuss expectations and communicate properly. Try to make them comfortable by being relatable and friendly.

• Q: What do I need to be a mentee?

A: All you need is to be ready and willing to learn.

• Q: On what topics is mentoring most effective?

A: Mentoring can work for any and every topic, all you need is someone who has experience in the same area to mentor you.

• Q: How do I know the right goals to focus on?

A: First, you have to define what you want to achieve, your reason for getting into the mentoring relationship. Then highlight the steps that will get you there, use the SMART parameter. Do this alongside your mentor.

• Q: What is peer-to-peer mentoring?

A: Peer-to-peer mentoring is a form mentoring relationship, where a person who has more experience in a specified area guides another person with lesser experience. It happens between people in the same level or area.

• Q: What is the difference between peer partnership and a mentor/mentee partnership?

A: A mentor/mentee partnership is a teacher-student relationship, unlike a peer partnership where both parties gain knowledge from one another. Especially as they are on the same level.

• Q: What is the difference between training and mentoring?

A: In training there is a curriculum to follow, with the deliverables falling on the shoulders of the learner/student, while a mentoring relationship is customized according to the preference of both mentor and mentee. Both parties also have expectations and duties for one another.

• Q: Who is a mentor?

A: A mentor is a person who has gathered experience in a particular field or area, possesses relevant knowledge in the said field, and uses this knowledge to tech and guide an individual who is not as knowledgeable and experienced.

• Q: Who is a mentee?

A: A mentee is an individual who has a passion for learning. They seek out knowledge from people who have more experience and knowledge.

• Q: How do I create structure in my mentoring relationship

A: Structure and organization will go a long way in making progress in the relationship. Agree on time foe meetings and adhere to it strictly, document data and information properly, perform reviews and appraisal to check each other.

• Q: How do I become a mentor?

A: The sole requirement to be a mentor is to have experience. If you qualify, the next step is to put yourself in the position to be of help to those who might need it. Potential mentees would naturally gravitate towards you. You can also pick someone to be your mentee.

• Q: Can I have more than one mentee?

A: Yes, you can have more than one mentee. Your knowledge is enough to go round. You can also form a mentoring group.

• Q: How do I find mentees?

A: Look for people who might need your help and offer advice and guidance to them, they would recognize your value and would want to be with you for the long haul. You can also join an online mentorship platform.

• Q: Can I decline a mentoring request?

A: You can decline a mentoring request for valid reasons. For instance, of you have a lot on your plate and cannot accommodate another mentee, it is ok to politely decline. You can connect such a person to another mentor or give them a time in the future when you will be available.

• Q: What is the role of a mentor?

A: A mentor, teaches, advices, counsels and connects their mentees to networks that might be useful for them.

Q: What is the age requirement to become a mentor?

A: There is no age requirement or limit to be a mentor. The major thing you need is to have relevant experience and knowledge, and to be willing to guide and teach another individual.

34)Q: Can mentors and mentees date?

 A:  For the sake of objectivity, romantic relations between mentors and their mentees are strongly discouraged.