Productive Mentoring Programs

Suggestions for Productive Mentoring Relationships

General Guidelines and Suggestions

• Consider various modes of communication (e-mail, phone, text, FaceTime, Skype).
• Have regular e-mail exchanges; try to have contact at least once every 4 to 6 weeks.
• Arrange phone calls, video meetings, or in-person meetings in advance, and kindly give at least 24 hours’ notice if you are unable to attend.
• Potential topics for discussion could include clinical training and practice, time management, work/life balance, challenging cases, career paths, research projects, contract negotiation, grant writing, and/or collaborating with industry.

Tips for Mentors

• Consider working with your mentee to develop short- and long-term goals for the mentoring relationship.
• Be a sounding board and an attentive listener. Help your mentee identify and implement strategies to meet goals.
• Set expectations and boundaries with your mentee to clarify your role, your availability, and your preferred methods of communication.
• Consider opening up your professional network to your mentee and connecting him/her to other potential mentors or collaborators.

Tips for Mentees

• Be proactive and take responsibility for making the mentoring relationship work.
• Communicate to your mentor early on what you would like out of the mentoring relationship, and be open to the possibility that your goals will change over time.
• Be respectful of your mentor’s time and express your gratitude for the guidance.