The purpose of this orientation is to ensure that mentors are knowledgeable about the structure of the program and comfortable with their roles and responsibilities.

TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION Welcome and Introductions Program Overview Definition of the mentor/protégé relationship Functions of a mentor Getting Started

Establishing Expectations Setting Goals Agreeing on a Plan TOPICS FOR DISCUSSION

Mentoring is a voluntary relationship in which the mentor serves as: Advocate  Advisor  Friend

Mentoring is a two way relationship that is unique because:  The mentor and protégé are both volunteers  The mentor, although senior, has no formal authority over the protégé

 Listening  Teaching skills  Acting as an advocate  Giving exposure to opportunities  Increasing protégé’s visibility

Access  Advice  Advocacy

Advice  Begins with listening  Help protégé make decisions, don’t make decisions for them  Give “how-to” advice on practical matters  Don’t give personal advice: listen and let the protégé talk through a problem

Access  Connect protégé with people or resources that might not otherwise be available  Introduce protégé to colleagues Show protégé how to find information on colleges, scholarships, jobs

Advocacy  An advocate speaks on behalf of a protégé  As an advocate, the mentor links his reputation with the protégé’s  Advocacy is earned over time

Self-Assessment of:  Motivation  Expectations Background Limitations Fears Assets

Why did your mentor devote his/her time to YOU? He saw my potential She saw my untapped potential He identified with me I was eager to be a protégé  She saw some positive things we could work on to our mutual benefit

Agreeing on a Plan Frequency and structure of meetings Tasks to be accomplished Target dates

Do: Listen actively Model appropriate behavior Be realistic and dependable Give honest feedback Show respect

Maintain confidentiality Start and end on a positive note Learn from your protégé Let your protégé know what you're gaining from the relationship Do: State clear expectations

Do: Have fun Help your protégé discover the nature of his/her genius

Don’t: Intimidate protégé Act preoccupied Promise what you can’t deliver Sugar-coat negatives Jump to conclusions

Don’t: Ignore cultural or ethnic differences Assume what works for you will work for everyone Reveal confidences Give personal advice Put off meetings

Don’t: Assume responsibility for protégé’s success Rush the process Cancel meetings repeatedly