Establishing clear goals in a mentoring relationship

Section 1 : Co-creating the vision

The starting point for any mentoring relationship is uncovering what you, the mentee, hope to gain. This requires open, reflective conversations to clarify your aspirations. Ask yourself thoughtful questions that encourage deep introspection, such as:

• What do I want to achieve in this mentoring relationship?
• What skills or areas do I want to develop?
• What challenges am I currently facing and how can my mentor support me in overcoming them?

Think big, but focus on actionable objectives. For example, if your goal is to "become more confident," break it down into specific steps, such as improving public speaking or seeking leadership opportunities.

Once you’ve articulated your aspirations, collaborate with your mentor to prioritize these goals. Breaking down larger ambitions into smaller, achievable milestones helps create momentum and ensures steady progress. Documenting these goals will provide you with a reference point to track your growth and make adjustments as needed.