Roles of the Mentee and Mentor

"It is the third most powerful relationship for influencing human behavior (after the family and couple relationships ) if it is working." Source: Richard E. Caruso, PhD

Role of the Mentee

As a mentee, you will play many different roles during the course of your mentoring relationship. The following are some important roles for you to keep in mind:

Driver of Relationship

• Identify the skills, knowledge, and/or goals that you want to achieve and communicate them to your mentor
• Bring up new topics that are important to you at any point and give feedback to your mentor

Development Planner

• Maintain a mentoring plan and work with your mentor to set up goals, developmental activities, and time frames

Resource Partner

• Work with your mentor to seek resources for learning; identify people and information that might be helpful

Teacher

• Look for opportunities to give back to your mentor; share any information that you think might be valuable

Continuous Learner

• Take full advantage of this opportunity to learn

Role of the Mentor

As a mentor, your primary role is to provide guidance and support to your mentee based on his or her unique developmental needs. At different points in the relationship, you will take on some or all of the following roles:

Coach/Advisor

• Give advice and guidance, share ideas, and provide feedback
• Share information on "unwritten rules for success" within environment/organization

Source of Encouragement/Support

• Act as sounding board for ideas/concerns about school/career choices; provide insights into possible opportunities
• Provide support on personal issues if appropriate

Resource Person

• Identify resources to help mentee enhance personal development and career growth
• Expand the mentee's network of contacts

Champion

• Serve as advocate for mentee whenever opportunity presents itself
• Seek opportunities for increased visibility for mentee

Devil's Advocate

• When appropriate, play devil's advocate to help mentee think through important decisions and strategies

Benefits of Mentoring | General Rules to Remember