Happy New Year!
As you reflect on the past year and set your New Year resolutions, I encourage you to reflect on the mentors who impacted you in your personal and professional growth journey. Maybe you were part of a formal mentoring program, maybe you just grabbed a cup of coffee or shared a phone call with your mentor. Whatever type of mentorship you completed, remember to show your appreciation for your mentor.
Whether you’re in a formal mentoring program, have a long time mentor (or 2 or 10) or are just starting a mentoring relationship, one key to being a great mentee is giving back to your mentor.
Here are a few ideas:
Pause at the end of your meeting or phone call and ask your mentor “Now tell me about you. How can I help you?”
Send an interesting article or podcast that is relevant to your discussions or that made you think of your mentor. And don’t just send the link, add notes to make it personal on why the article-podcast made you think of them.
Send a hand written note expressing your gratitude. Yes, use a note with an envelope and stamp. It’s amazing how effective this is. I still love getting cards in the mail.
Share a success story. Let them know how their advice impacted you....tell them about a situation where you tried out their advice and how it worked out. I can’t tell you what great joy I get in hearing from my mentees on how they are succeeding because of our conversations!
Note personal events in your mentors life, such as birthday or anniversary date with their company, and drop them a quick email or personal note in recognition of the event.
Give them a recommendation on LinkedIn.
Offer to teach them one of your skills or strengths.
Whatever means and method you choose to show your gratitude is up to you. What’s important is that you make it personal and make it now. Don’t wait....like all New Year resolutions, they don’t begin with “the list”; rather they begin with “action.”
Got more ideas? Send them to me. I’d love to include them in my mentoring toolkit and workshops.
Happy New Year and Enjoy Your Mentoring Journey!