A mentoring session is all about creating an environment where mentors and mentees share knowledge, solve problems and create a respectful and diligent work environment.

The main purpose of the session is to ensure that objectives are outlined before and achieved throughout, in order to track progress.

In order to run a productive mentoring session, it is essential to divide the functions of your session into three sections as shown below.

Before the session

During this period, the mentee can send over the agenda of the meeting which outlines the key talking points, current challenges and progress charts. The mentor then has a chance to go over the agenda and add any extra talking points that are essential to the mentoring session the next day. This is also a moment to reflect on previous sessions and pick it up from where it was left off.

If this was a scenario before the first mentorship session, it is essential for mentors to research their mentees through LinkedIn or company/university websites. It is also vital to brush up on their expertise before the session begins.

Double-checking logistics such as the address of the cafe where the meeting is set up or the time and link of the web conference is crucial as well. This helps you plan your schedule better and eradicate any form of tardiness.

During the session

Checking in is the first step in this session. The human connection and emotional support can set the tone for the meeting. Going over the minutes or notes from the previous meeting is the second step where the overall progress can be tracked. Setting goals for the forthcoming week before the

next session is the next step after which the next meeting can be scheduled.

During the main session, it is important to speak about any challenges that the mentee may have gone through. It is crucial for the mentor to showcase a sense of guidance, by sharing opinions or experiences that may ultimately help achieve the objectives previously mapped out.

After the session

After the session is completed, it is essential that a mentor sends a follow-up to their mentee. This follow-up may be in the form of minutes taken during the meeting or even the key takeaways and goals that were mapped out for the coming week. This is also a time when the logistics for the next session are shared, which certainly helps with planning better. Apart from that, mentors can also share links or resources of items that were discussed during the meeting.