by christina christou

Created on: May 03, 2010   Last Updated: May 11, 2010

Mentoring another person is an honor.  To be part of another’s development, is a responsibility that should not be taken likely.  The other person is entrusting themselves in your knowledge, and expertise to help them to move forward in their lives.

A formal contract and confidentiality form will need to be prepared early on, preferably on the first meeting. This will include the number of sessions, what the mentee can offer and the preferred conduct of both. The duration of each session will be arranged and the place of the meeting will be agreed.

Specific information as what to do if they cannot make the meeting and a contact number will be given.  The word mentoring will be explained by first asking the mentee what their understanding of it is.  

Confidentiality will be discussed explaining to the mentee, that disclosure of information will be done, in cases where there is indication of harm been done to themselves or another person.

Child protection issues will be discussed and also any company policies if the mentor is working for a company or organization. Total confidentiality may be an option, but in the majority of cases, it is not advisable since if there is any illegal activity, the mentor will be seen as someone who is condoning the behavior by the legal services.

Confidentiality is also discussed in regards of who will see records of what is discussed and also where the records are kept.  This needs to be explained sensitively as the mentor needs to build trust with the mentee, so it is wise to make the mentee feel comfortable to share their story.

Therefore, the first meeting is more of an introduction to what mentoring is and of what is expected from both parties.  This clears any misconceptions, and starts the relationship on a clear footing.  The need for a review half way through the programmed will be explained and also the ending will be explained in order to prepare the mentee that this is not an indefinite process.

Mentoring is a two way relationship. The mentor may be the one with the tools and skills to facilitate the process, but it is the mentee that is the one bringing the situations by presenting themselves to the process.

There needs to be a building up of trust first of all.  The Mentor’s initial job is to make the mentee feel comfortable and safe in the Mentor’s hands.  The mentee needs to feel that they are safe to open their heart and share their story.

The

• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• Next Page >>