How badly does the mentee want to advance their career and how much ground do they feel they need to cover to get there?
Drive = How motivated is the mentee?
Distance = Where is the mentee in terms of experience vs. where they need/want to be?
Mentee’s Perspective
Mentees have to prepare for the relationship by acknowledging they are in it to learn.
The Question I ask: What is it you want from your Mentor?
Can the mentor help and how much effort will it require?
Gap = The amount of experience the mentor has compared with the mentee.
Relevance = The distance between the mentor’s expertise and the mentee’s goal.
Effort = How much work it will take to bridge any gaps of experience or relevance.
Mentor’s Perspective
Come prepared to ask questions such as: