Optimal Mentoring Outcomes Require An Investment of Time

^{Updated March 10, 2022.}

At the beginning of every orientation session for mentoring programs, I ask the participants to write down any challenges they foresee regarding the success of their mentoring relationship. The #1 challenge, by far, is always time.  From business owners to professionals to triathletes, people are concerned about how to make time for the relationship. At the mid-program check-ins with participants, guess what the #1 challenge is? Not surprising – time. Even though we talk about it at the orientation, time continues to pose a challenge.

Let’s talk about time for a moment. Not having enough time is a common concern expressed by many of us. We invest in a variety of time management tools, apps, training programs and fancy calendars to try and ‘manage our time’. The thing is, we can’t manage time. We can’t make it do anything different other than tick away at 60 seconds per minute.

What we can manage however is how we prioritize using our time. Or better yet, how we INVEST our time. Because the clock keeps ticking at a steady pace, it’s up to us to pay attention to how we spend this resource. What’s most important is whether we’re spending it on the things that really matter to us. Are we investing in our priorities?

Let’s come back to mentoring. Participating in mentoring (whether a formal program or informal connection) is most likely voluntary. It’s something you choose to do either as a mentee or a mentor. Making that choice and entering into the mentoring partnership means you've set an expectation that it is a priority and that you are willing to invest the time and energy into the relationship. Your mentoring partner is counting on you. Developing trust in your relationship requires you to make time. 

Time needs to be discussed, honoured and monitored throughout each phase of the mentoring process. One way to do this is through regular conversations about your partnership agreement. More attention to time may be required up front as you get to know each other, establish routines and set goals.

Here are four tips related to time to help you achieve optimal outcomes in your mentoring partnership:

1. Schedule time in advance. Always have the next meeting on the calendar. If you need to postpone a mentoring session occasionally, do it, but make sure you schedule your next one right away. And make re-scheduling an exception not a habit.

2. Spend quality time. Be aware of how you spend your time in the relationship because the quality is far more important than the quantity of time you spend together. When you are together, be fully present. Put your phones away. Be prepared. If using email, text or messaging, be clear in your communication. Plan to use time well.

3. Monitor your time. How are you using your time when meeting with your mentee/mentor? Are your respective needs being met? At the end of each meeting take a few moments to evaluate the meeting. What worked well? What would make the next meeting even better?

4. Notice the value. Take time to reflect on the outcomes of your mentoring partnership. What progress are you making towards your goals? What skills are you able to practice? What are you learning overall? What further feedback would benefit you?

What I’ve noticed about people who participate in mentoring of any sort is that they tend to be people who want to learn, who are constantly taking on new challenges and who tend to have a pretty full schedule as a result. Engaging in mentoring, whether as a mentee or mentor, is an investment in learning…and all learning means an investment of time.