Mentor Guide

Your Role as a Mentor

• A trusted advisor who shares insights from your professional journey
• A sounding board for your mentee's ideas, challenges and decisions
• An advocate who helps your mentee build confidence and navigate their career path
• A connector who can introduce relevant contacts or resources when appropriate

Program Expectations

• One-year commitment
• Quarterly meetings: Minimum four virtual meetings (45-60 minutes each)
• Be responsive: Reply to your mentor's outreach promptly and show up prepared
• End-of-year survey: Provide feedback to help improve the program

Getting Started: Your First Meeting

• Send an introductory email to your mentee to schedule a meeting time
• First meeting agenda (60 minutes recommended):
• Get to know each other: Share your career paths, current roles and interests outside work
• Discuss goals: What does your mentee hope to gain? What are their short and long-term professional goals?
• Schedule next meeting: Don't leave without the next date on the calendar

Mentor Best Practices

• Listen more than you talk. Ask questions before offering advice.
• Share your failures, not just successes. Vulnerability builds trust and shows learning opportunities.
• Be honest, but kind. Constructive feedback is a gift when delivered with care.
• Follow through. If you say you'll send an article or make an introduction, do it.
• Encourage action. Help your mentee identify next steps after each conversation.
• Celebrate progress. Acknowledge growth, even small wins.

What a Mentor is Not

• A therapist: Offer professional guidance, but recognize when issues require professional mental health support
• A job placement service: You can offer networking help, but aren't responsible for finding your mentee a new position
• A decision-maker: Guide thinking, but your mentee must make their own choices

Program Recognition

Questions?

If you're experiencing challenges with your mentor, have questions, feedback or need support, contact Jessica Levco at mentor@greystone.net.