2.3 The Role of a Mentee

For a successful mentor-mentee relationship, the prospective mentee should be aware that the following tasks are typically expected of a mentee:

• Readiness to follow directions;
• Learning to take initiative and be politely insistent about their desire for an active mentorship;
• Understanding that the mentor also has commitments outside the professional setting;
• Interest in investing time and also being open to the mentoring experience;
• Consideration of the effort and time of the mentor;
• Development of consistency and promptness to appointments and in all forms of communication;
• Providing honest feedback on the mentoring experience; and
• Eagerness to learn from the mentor.

The following exercise will help the mentor gauge how interested and motivated the student is in starting a mentoring relationship. A readiness checklist below as adapted from Bell et al (1996); Kram (1985); and Zachary (2000), will help the mentors identify whether or not the student is ready to be mentored.

Exercise: Mentee Readiness Checklist

Check off all items that apply.

1. I can make a time commitment and keep it.
2. I am receptive to learning new things.
3. I am open to discussing my goals, plans, and aspirations with my mentor.
4. I can construct a plan and let my mentor know if anything changes.
5. I am willing to seek advice when needed.
6. I can commit adequate attitude and effort to the mentoring process that is consistent.
7. I can be honest about my strengths and weaknesses.
8. I am able to accept praise and criticism.