• Sets out to achieve new skills and knowledge to apply to their career;
• Seeks guidance and advice in their professional development
• Proactive in the relationship;
• Shows ability and desire to learn new skills;
• Accepts responsibility for own development, decisions and actions;
• Takes on new challenges and carries out tasks and projects at agreed times;
• Accepts advice and provides mentor with feedback;
• Available and open; and
• Demonstrates his or her commitment in the relationship.

Characteristics

• Interested in learning;
• Open and prepared to accept criticism and feedback;
• Prepared to invest time and effort in the relationship;
• Expectations and needs are clear;
• Ability to listen and communicate;
• Performs well and is motivated;
• Receptive and candid attitude;
• Interested in sharing professional concerns; and
• Integrity and confidentiality.

Benefits

• Enlightened view, advice, encouragement and support;
• Development of new professional and personal skills;
• Development of professional skills and confidence;
• Understanding of organisational culture and the unwritten rules;
• Chance to broaden professional networks;
• Exposure to styles of leadership and management;
• Sharing experiences and know-how;
• Easier integration into organisation;
• Increased potential for career mobility and promotion;
• Empowerment over their own career;
• Supportive environment where strengths and weakness, successes and failures can be evaluated;
• Potential for increased visibility within the organisation.

Potential problems

• Investment of time and energy;
• Risk that dependent or over-protective relationship will result (avoid becoming a copy of mentor);
• Risk of poor pairing;
• Risk that relationship will become too intense and engrossing;
• Risk of disappointment if mentee has unrealistic expectations and expectations not clearly defined;
• Risk of breach of confidentiality or trust; and
• Risk of penalisation if relationship fails.