The Mentoring Relationship

Why have a mentor? Because a mentor...

• Focuses on you and your needs
• Acts as a hotline, advice column and sounding board
• Helps you identify your goals and helps you reach them
• Shows you possibilities that are open to you

A mentoring relationship can be one of the most rewarding relationships you'll ever have.

Now that you know why it's great to have a mentor, you may be wondering,

"Exactly what is a mentor?" A mentor is...

• Someone who's there for you and who takes the time to listen
• Someone who's been there and who knows how you feel
• Someone who sees your vision and can help you find ways to realize it
• Someone who helps you see possibilities and can help you set goals

Let's make the role of a mentor a little clearer. What can you expect your mentor to do? What will the mentor not do?

Your mentor will……

Act as lots of things, including a friend, coach, motivator, advisor, supporter and career model. There are all kinds of options. In fact, it's up to you to decide what role(s) you'd like your mentor to play.

No matter what you decide you want your mentor to do, you can count on your mentor to help you with the 3 A's.

What are the 3 A's?

• ADVICE: Help you make better decisions
• ACCESS: Open up a new world of ideas and experiences.
• ADVOCACY: Help you get your voice heard

We've told you what your mentor will do. What will your mentor NOT do?

Your mentor will NOT...

• Buy you gifts
• Make important decisions for you
• Help or encourage you to do things you know you shouldn't do
• Take the place of family members or other important advisors
• Force you to do anything you're not comfortable doing

*Remember, it's IMPORTANT to tell family members and contact PYD if you are uncomfortable with anything your mentor says or does.