Have your recently join TPRA's Mentorship Program? Are you unsure of how to get the ball rolling and conversations flowing? We've got your back! Below you will find an extensive list of topics and questions which a mentorship pair can utilize to facilitate discussions and ensure a successful relationship.
Mentor to Mentee: Questions a Mentor can ask their Mentee
These are great questions to ask at the beginning of the relationship to get the ball rolling and better understand your mentee's needs.
Accountability is important as you move towards your goal(s).
Is having me as an accountability partner something you are hoping for? And if so, how do you see that playing out?
Do you have a long-term goal in mind or is that something you are hoping to develop through our mentoring relationship?
Do you have any boundaries around communication—and, if so, what are they?
Do you prefer to limit our communications to designated meeting times—or are you open to more frequent, informal communication? (For example, sending text messages with questions in between meetings.)
From your perspective, what would make this mentorship a successful one?
How do you prefer to communicate? (For example, do you prefer email, phone calls, text messages, video calls, or in-person meetings?)
How often do you see us communicating?
What are you hoping to gain from this mentor-mentee relationship?
What can I do to make it easier for you to discuss challenges with me as you work towards hitting your goal(s)?
What have been some of the challenges you have faced while trying to reach your goal(s)?
What is your short-term goal, and how do you think I can best help you hit that goal?
Tell me about yourself, your family, your work.
What is the dream you want to achieve?
Do you have a support group around you (e.g. a personal board of directors)? Share what that looks like for you.
How much time do you spend networking?
How much time do you spend on continuing education?
What is your measurement for your own personal success?
Where do you see yourself next year, in five years, in ten years?
Are you happy in your current role?
How often do you assess where you are at in comparison to where you want to be?
Mentee to Mentor: Questions a Mentee can ask their Mento
Additional Discussion Topics