How to find the time for mentoring?

Mentoring is a voluntary commitment that will help you grow, whether you are a mentor or a mentee. However, it is an adventure not to be taken lightly; when you engage in a mentoring relationship, it requires availability and organization to derive the most lasting benefits from it. Here are some best practices to adopt in order to find the space and opportunities to include mentoring in your schedule to achieve your professional goals.

Ask yourself: Is it the right time?
For various reasons, there are times in life when you may be less inclined to engage as a mentee. If in doubt, it may be worth considering whether it is the best time to start a mentoring relationship.

If you dive headfirst into the adventure, try to be realistic about your openness and availability! Get involved at a level that corresponds to your abilities, ensuring that you can fulfill your commitments without overburdening yourself. It is essential to respect your limits and be transparent with your mentor/mentee in order to manage their expectations. Naturally, unexpected events or periods of instability may occur; in any case, mentoring is primarily a relationship between two human beings, and authenticity is the key to its success.

Take care of yourself professionally to ensure the achievement of your professional goals.
To ensure professional fulfillment and achieve career goals, it is important to set aside specific time for professional development. This includes training, skill development, leadership development, maintaining well-being at work, and seeking new challenges.

Many mentees feel less alone in their daily challenges thanks to their mentor and greatly appreciate the time for reflection and exchange that their mentoring relationship provides. Mentoring greatly contributes to professional well-being, so make room for it in your schedule!

Mentoring doesn't have to be complex.
It is false to think that mentoring is complex to establish and difficult to maintain consistently. Certainly, it requires a certain level of commitment and availability, but if it is a process that is important to you and the timing is optimal, all you have to do is dive in and give it a try!

Moreover, you decide the pace of the exchanges! There is no obligation for monthly meetings or weekly discussions. It is up to you to define the frequency of your exchanges with your mentor. You can decide to talk every week or every month, depending on your preference.

Organize yourself for success!
Setting the framework for your mentoring relationship is one of the success factors for the smooth running of your mentoring and the achievement of your goals. Take the time to clearly define your professional objectives even before contacting your mentor or mentee, and then open the discussion. Exchange about your respective roles, expectations, and if necessary, draft a mutual agreement and plan the logistics and agenda of the meetings. A good method for organizing meetings and optimal time management will be crucial to fully benefit from these sessions. The Elo Mentorship blogis full of resources on the subject. Additionally, training on starting a relationship can truly make a difference and alleviate your concerns.

The importance of creating the habit of mentoring with more frequent meetings at the beginning.
Blocking time in your schedule will be an essential way to compel yourself to take this downtime. Plan the schedule for all your upcoming meetings in advance for the coming weeks! Finally, meet more often at the beginning to build trust with your mentor/mentee. Avoid putting too much pressure on yourself and allow yourself to find a rhythm that works for you as a mentor and mentee, whatever it may be.

Use technology.
Today, remote mentoring is definitely an option to consider to optimize your time. Moreover, it allows you to expand your search pool to other regions and does not limit your experience to professionals in your sector! For example, you can use video conferencing tools to communicate online. 

The Elo app is a great way to meet your future mentor or mentee, and even nurture your relationship, thanks to its built-in messaging. You'll find a host of resources to help you navigate your mentoring adventure, as well as discussion groups between professionals on topics that directly affect you.

So what are you waiting for to contact a mentor!