Many mentoring relationships work well from the get-go, where others need consistent work and a push in the right direction. Unfortunately, in today’s fast-paced environment mentoring relationships can falter without the right support.
The number one challenge many mentorships face is maintaining momentum. They can have periods of frequent connection and communication followed by lulls inactivity. While it is natural for there to be fluctuation, frequent pauses and lack of motivation means that mentorships are not working as effectively as they should be.
Here is how you can maintain the momentum in your mentorship and experience all the benefits it has to offer.
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Feedback
Open dialogue between you and your mentoring partner is important for a healthy relationship. It can become challenging to get the support you need when the relationship has stalled.
By openly discussing and asking for feedback, both you and your mentor can begin to gauge each other opinions on your progress. As such, these differences are able to give you additional insight into where the relationship has faltered and what you can do to get back on track.
Re-examine Your Goals
If you feel like you are not progressing towards your goals, it could be a sign that there is miscommunication. By re-examining your goals and what you expect to receive from your mentorship, both you and your mentor can come up with a plan of action.
During this discussion, you might find that your original goal is no longer something you want to work towards, giving you the opportunity to redefine them as needed. Not only does this bring meaning back into your relationship, but you are encouraged to work towards something new.
Discuss Your Relationship
Once you have reassessed your goals and priorities, you are able to move forward with your relationship with a renewed sense of focus. Mentorship goes both ways. While a mentor is there to guide, encourage and motivate you it is also important to be responsive, reflective and dedicated to this relationship.
Be Proactive and Schedule Meetings
In-person and online Mentoring relationships can become inactive as a result of a lack of communication. In order to avoid this from happening, it is important for you and your mentor to schedule regular meetings or discussions. These do not have to be long – even 15 minutes can often go a long way – but they help establish the foundations needed for your relationship to remain strong.
Reflect On Your Conversations & Plan For Upcoming Meetings
It is important to take the time to reflect on what was discussed, not only for your own benefit but for the benefit of your relationship. What did you learn? How can this knowledge help you move forward? By actively engaging with these conversations, not only are you able to build a strong bond with your mentorship but you will also find that you can apply these teaching to your personal and professional life.
Find Committed Mentors With Ruffle Mentoring
Ruffle Mentoring is an online platform that is designed to help you make new connections, build relationships and create meaningful interactions between experienced, successful and trusted mentors.
Take your career, life and relationships to the next level by connecting with mentors who are interested in helping you achieve your goals. Visit Ruffle Mentoring today!
