The relationships that work best tend to be those where both people show up consistently, listen with intent, and leave space for reflection.
Over the next six months, your mentoring relationship will take shape through regular, honest conversations. It might start slowly. That’s normal. Trust and rhythm build over time, not in one meeting.
Consistency #
Consistency is one of the most powerful ingredients in any mentoring relationship.
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Aim for at least one hour-long meeting each month.
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If you prefer shorter sessions, try two 30-minute calls, sometimes smaller check-ins keep things more focused.
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Set a recurring slot early on to help you stay accountable.
Building Trust #
Trust is built through action, not promises. It grows when both sides follow through on what they say, listen with empathy, and stay open to difference.
Trust looks like:
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Arriving prepared and engaged.
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Listening to understand, not just to reply.
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Keeping private conversations confidential.
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Acknowledging when something isn’t working and addressing it with care.
Keeping Conversations Meaningful #
To make the most of your time together, focus on progress rather than performance.
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Start each session with a quick check-in on how things have been since you last spoke.
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Revisit your growth markers – what’s shifted, what feels challenging, what’s next?
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Explore one or two key topics in each conversation.
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End with a reflection or small action step for the month ahead.
If a session feels off-track, that’s okay. Bring it back to your goals or what feels most relevant right now.
Balancing Support and Challenge #
The best mentoring relationships balance encouragement with honest challenge. Growth happens when both people are willing to stretch a little.
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Mentors should feel comfortable asking tough questions or encouraging reflection, even when it’s uncomfortable.
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Mentees can also challenge mentors by asking for clarity, sharing a different viewpoint, or questioning assumptions.
Keeping in Touch Between Meetings #
A lot of learning happens between conversations. Stay connected through small, thoughtful gestures:
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Share an article or opportunity that links to a recent discussion.
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Send a short progress update.
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Celebrate small wins — a presentation that went well, a successful application, or simply a shift in mindset.
These moments show that you’re engaged and build a sense of shared journey.
Adapting as You Go #
Mentoring is not static, goals can shift, priorities can change, and that’s fine. Take time every few months to reflect on how the relationship is going and what might need adjusting.
If momentum dips, talk about it early. Sometimes you may just need to reset expectations or revisit your original aims.
When It Feels Challenging #
Every relationship goes through difficult moments – scheduling issues, mismatched communication styles, or a busy season. Don’t walk away quietly. Instead:
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Reflect on what’s not working.
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Discuss it openly in your next meeting.
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Contact the TLC team if you need support.
