The mentor and mentee may agree to participate in complementary programs (workshops, seminars, social events) that are aligned with the objectives of the mentorship. Discuss the main goals of mentoring that have been discussed, as well as the desired outcomes, and agree on how you know when those outcomes have been achieved. Determine how often you and your mentee will meet. Depending on the mentoring goals, you can meet as often as once a week, but no less than once a month. The mentee and mentor will work together on the final version of the agreement. Based on the essential elements of a mentoring agreement, mentees should keep the following questions in mind when negotiating the final agreement. More information about the Mentoring Training Group`s network of mentors and the phases of mentoring: graduate.asu.edu/mentoring This agreement defines the expectations and objectives as well as the specifics of the relationship. See our sample mentoring contract (PDF). The agreement should include contact information (including preferred methods and times), establish a meeting schedule, iterate the goals and objectives of both parties, set dates for monitoring progress and a completion date. Once this is negotiated and completed, you are ready to start your mentoring partnership.

Read the following articles to learn more about the benefits of mentoring for mentees and mentors. Based on the essential elements of the mentoring agreement, mentors should consider asking the following questions to the mentee`s proposed agreement. During the introductory phase of the mentoring relationship, an important outcome is understanding each other`s expectations and goals. An agreement developed jointly by the mentor and mentee ensures that both parties understand the parameters and expectations of the relationship, properly take responsibility for the mentoring process, and hold both partners accountable to each other. These preparations can help minimize potential frustration. So how can we deal with the other big challenge of maintaining that momentum and keeping the precious time? At the second official meeting, development goals are set. All subsequent meetings are subject to an established productive satisfaction criterion, including the review of development objectives and the conduct of progress monitors. This aspect is the long-term substance of the mentoring process. Mentoring is a relationship that involves formal or informal processes in which a mentor intentionally provides advice, motivation, and encouragement. Mentors also share their knowledge, experience and perspectives to enable the mentee to promote specific goals that will improve their life and career. Mentoring allows the mentor and mentee to network resources, develop best practices and maintain connections for lifelong learning. By asking these questions about the mentoring agreement and using the agreement as the basis of your mentoring relationship, you can better address all the elements of the relationship that may arise during the relationship, such as misunderstandings, personality conflicts, and unmet expectations.

In addition, the mentoring agreement helps you focus your energy and time in a way that takes into account the main purpose of your relationship. The biggest challenge for your partnership is the time required. Keep in mind that this agreement is in addition to the professional and personal schedule and that the mentoring partnership requires time, energy and work to ensure success. To balance these aspects, close agreement and structured meetings can minimize wasted time and energy. By joining the partnership, you have already guaranteed your commitment, so you simply need tools to track it. Decide how long formal mentoring will last. In an educational environment, mentors often follow a semester or cycle of an academic year. While mentoring relationships can be formal or informal and likely evolve over time, a practical and thoughtful mentoring agreement can help the mentor and mentee discuss the important elements of their relationship and create a more mutually beneficial mentoring experience. In collaboration with participants in the Faculty Mentorship Program, Brigham and Women`s Hospital has created a model for mentoring arrangements.

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