Tips For Mentors and Mentees in The Post Pandemic Era

2020 saw a major surge in the need for mentoring, given that it was a complex and uncertain year. Most people experienced career anxieties, fear of losing jobs and uncertainties on how to stay afloat. Mentors and mentees became strong support systems during these times in order to help others pull through. In 2021, let’s take this mentoring goal of a support system one notch higher in order to create a stronger and a more valuable relationship. Here are some easy and important mentoring tips for you:

Revisit Objectives and Goals

This mentoring tip is tricky. The goals and objectives you had laid out for yourself previously may not align with the post pandemic world anymore. So it’s time to re-assess those goals and see how your mentoring relationship can help you. Figure out what will serve you well in 2021. Once you have new milestones in place, have a conversation with your mentor or mentee about the new changes. Most often, when two individuals are invested in a common mentoring goal, it gets easier to plan and work for it.

Mentoring goals need a lot of focus and commitment, especially when the world is going through a low and uncertain phase. Make sure you take time out to unwind and understand yourself. Once you are aware of yourself and your needs, it will give you clarity on how mentoring can help support your new normal.

Initiate the Process

Intentions are the most important aspects of mentoring. Once your mentoring goals are in place, it’s time to take some initiatives. Discuss those goals and intentions with your mentor. With social distancing in place, you might want to change the way you connect with your mentee or mentor. If you wish to go virtual, or meet them in person, send across a request. If you wish to meet someone new, initiate that process by reaching out.

Mentoring is not a one way street. For the relationship to grow and show results, initiatives need to be taken from both sides.

Consider the Comfort of Your Partner

Be it your mentor or mentee, mentoring relationships do not necessarily have to be all formal. Situations might demand a more informal and easy setting. So whether you’re a mentor or mentee, connect with your partner and see if you can understand their requirements as well. This includes modes and timings for meetings.

The new year has begun and that calls for fresh beginnings. Revisit the cadence of your meetings and the platform you use. Discuss personal and professional needs together and confirm how best you both can work things out for enhanced growth and productivity; how you can achieve your mentoring goals together.

If you are looking to experience mentoring, Mentoring Complete can help you implement a strong mentoring program. And if you are looking for tips and strategies to mentoring, Mentoring University can help you there.

Also read:

Why Mentoring Training is Important for Mentors

Top 5 Mentoring Challenges and Their Solutions

Mentoring Expectations from a Mentor