How can I get ready for the first meeting with my mentor?

Your first meeting will be special. Are you ready? 

Here is a short checklist for you: 

• Sum up your working history 
• Write a mentoring objective statement 
• Check out SWOT or GROW models to frame your development journey. You can download Sample Mentee Development Plan and other resources at this link. 

You can simmer on these questions as you prepare: 

1. What are your professional/personal goals and objectives?
2. What kind of challenges are you facing that you would like to challenge with your mentor?
3. What are the three things you would like to achieve through the mentoring program? Rank them in order of importance.
4. What are the three things you would like your mentor to provide?
5. Which skills do you desire to develop in the next 6 months?
6. Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years? How do you see yourself growing (personally/professionally)
7. What are your priorities?
8. What are your strengths and weaknesses?
9. What makes you unique?
10. What do you expect from yourself and your mentor on this journey?
11. Keep asking yourself “does this help me achieve what I want to be?"
12. How open are you to improve? How willing are you to step out of your comfort zone?
13. How open are you to receive feedback? How comfortable do you feel about giving feedback? In what situations do you find it difficult or defensive?
14. What will you do when you face a challenge, an obstacle, or unwittingly resist change? How will you motivate yourself?
15. What are the internal resources that you can take advantage of?
16. What do you need to do to be prepared and stay on track when you have difficulties?