How to Be a Good Mentee to Develop Your Potential

Self-development in the work environment is very necessary to be able to survive and compete with changing times. Therefore, you must continue to learn new things in the latest developments in trends and technology through various opportunities.

You can learn from a mentor at work so you don't get left behind in an ever-changing industry. Usually, mentorship programs are also one of the ways companies use to balance the abilities of employees. In order to continue learning from a good mentor, you must also be able to be a good mentee.

What is a Mentee?

A mentee is a person who receives advice and inspiration from a mentor who has experience and expertise in a particular field. A mentor will help a mentee gain skills, overcome challenges, improve their mindset, and find success inside and outside of work.

Mentor-mentee relationships can last months or even years. This also does not rule out the possibility of younger professionals mentoring older professionals (this is known as reverse mentoring).

Mentoring can increase your career and business potential if you take full advantage of the relationship. To get positive results from mentoring, the mentee must have commitment, be willing to learn, be respectful, and be responsible.

How to Be a Good Mentee

Employees who want to continue developing their skills and knowledge can become a mentee. Even though it's not a formal arrangement, at least you can adapt the following things as a way to be a good mentee.

1. Practice active listening

When the mentor speaks, listen without intending to respond. Active listening takes practice, especially when receiving constructive criticism. When you are moved to debate an opinion, absorb what the mentor says and respond with a summary or question to gain clarity.

2. Take the initiative

Mentors won't just hand everything over to you. Instead, be prepared with ideas and solutions every time you meet. This will help the mentor to understand your problem solving skills and find out areas that still need improvement.

3. Be open-minded to different perspectives

Some mentors come from different backgrounds so their ideas may be out of the box. However, remember that you are asking for help because of their success. So, be open to hearing their perspectives and thoughts.

4. Be open about your struggles

You may need to share personal details or shortcomings to get feedback that can change the situation. When they know your fears, struggles, and concerns, mentors will find ways to help, especially if they have experienced them.

5. Show gratitude

Many mentors help their mentees for free. Always thank the mentor for their time and respect their boundaries. For example, you are allowed to send non-urgent messages throughout the day when they are busy. You can also express gratitude by offering help.

6. Set clear goals.

Set a time frame and what goals you want to achieve by the end of the coaching. You also need to explain the goals you want the mentor to help you with. For example, you want to improve your public speaking skills before the end of your probationary period (three months).

7. Be patient to receive results

You may not immediately see the results of the mentorship you are going through with your mentor. However, remember to be patient as you work towards your goals. Remember that every progression is one step closer to achieving your mission.

Your mentor will take time to get to know you and understand what advice will be most useful. As a mentee, you also need to show consistency in what you want to achieve so that mentors can understand it well.

8. Share your achievements

It is important to share the successes you have achieved with your mentor. These small steps show that you are making progress and directly build trust in the mentor. Inform mentors of their role in helping achieve these.

9. Make time for mentorship

Meetings with mentors may be held several times a week. Whatever the setting, set aside a specific block to focus on. This includes making time for meetings and phone calls, planning goals, and setting deadlines for assignments assigned by the mentor.

10. Choose your mentor wisely

To find a good mentor, you can ask them to share their experiences. Good and experienced leaders will not mind sharing this information with you. A mentor can be someone who can provide career advancement, someone with good networking, or someone who can be trusted to accompany you throughout your career journey.

Employee career development in a company or someone in business does not have to be done alone. You can work with a mentor and listen to their advice as a mentee to increase your potential for success.