Preparing for Being Mentored

Yesterday I wrote about The Need for Being Mentored. Now for some follow up thoughts from yesterday's post showing you how I prepare for meetings with my mentors.

Preparation is a key element to any leader getting the most out of his mentoring relationship. Whenever I meet with Steve or Mike, we never get together unless I have provided them with 5 - 10 pages of preparation notes several days before our meeting.

These preparation notes gives them the info they need to aide their mentoring and coaching of me. Here's that I include in the mentoring preparation that I give to them.

1. "Here's What You Said" - This is where I re-write all the notes I took from the last time we met. I rewrite all the key phrases, advice, principles and philosophies they told me. Whenever I write down the Here's What You Said stuff, the mentor is sometimes surprised and says, "Did I really say that?" In a way, they are actually learning through our mentoring relationship because they're seeing their words in print and it helps them to clarify their thinking and content.
2. "Here's What I Did" - This is where I outline all of the work I've been doing since we last met. I will tell them what I did to act on the advice and coaching they gave me. I tell them what's happening at work and personally. I do my best to paint a picture for them of what I've been doing and how I'm making progress on my vision, dreams and goals.
3. "Here's What I Learned" - This is where I share my distinctions on what I've learned from what they said and what I've done over the past month. I talk about how I'm applying what they taught me and what it means to me.
4. "Here's What I Need Coaching On" - This is where I list 3 - 5 areas that I need some coaching and help from my mentor. I will tell him about areas that I'm working on where I need some coaching and mentoring. I'll tell them about a critical decision I need to make, personal relationships stuff, or I'll share with them an area in work and my own leadership that I think I can do a better job. Even though I provide several different coaching topics, I leave it up to my mentor to pick one and give me coaching based on what he thinks I need the most help with and what he can offer the most help with too.

These preparation notes allows my mentors to have a clear picture of where I am, so they can do the best job possible to help me get where I want to go.

Comments

[Jason W. Womack, MEd, MA]

I have met with you Christopher several times over the past few years, and I think your advice is sinking in! I know that when we do get to meet, whether in Ojai, Turlock or (someday!) in Alaska...I always enjoy looking at these questions with you.

One of the things I've learned from you, and continue to practice, is the ability to be present in conversation, curious in my questions, and active in my follow up. Thanks for continuing to share your drive and dedication.

[Christopher Scott]

Thanks for your comments Jason!

Yes,
I really enjoy meeting with you and always take time to prepare for you and Jodi by reviewing your blog, looking over our past notes, and preparing some new questions.

I also hope to bring something to the table for you too, so I prepare that as well.

Thanks!