Identify your Objectives- What are you trying to achieve professionally? Why do you want a mentor?

Be clear on your intention- Be clear on how you want a mentor to help you achieve your objectives, this needs to be clear, ambiguity is just going to waste your mentors time.

Commitment- Be respectful of your mentor’s time and schedule by prioritising your development plan and making sure you action things as required. Be the driver of your own development, organise the meetings, be prepared, set an agenda.

Honesty– be upfront about the problems you are facing and your vulnerabilities.

Take on feedback– Your mentor can provide you with some personal insights, take it on board. The biggest growth you will ever have is when you hear something that’s uncomfortable and use the knowledge to change your actions or behaviour. The best leaders are ones that listen carefully and never stop learning about how to better themselves.

Startup Business People and Strategy Board Presentation Workshop

Get out of your comfort Zone– the only way to grow is to give it a go – try new things, experiment, you may not get it right initially but with determination and tenacity you will get there! Imagine as a child when you were first trying to ride a bike you gave up, after falling off the first time? Be adventurous, as children we were more inclined to take risks and give things a go. Edison failed over 1000 times before he was successful in creating the light bulb!

Be Grateful– Your mentor is giving up their time and energy to help you. They could be spending more time at work or with their family and friends but they have made a decision to help you. Don’t take this for granted! Make sure you take the time to show how appreciative you are!