Expectations of the Program

Below are some common expectations identified at the beginning of a relationship that are specific to mentors and mentees:

• Maintain confidentiality and keep commitments that are made.

• Evaluate the relationship at various points within an agreed-upon time frame.

• Meet regularly with your mentee. Determine a regularly scheduled meeting time and make other arrangements if plans need to change.

• Accept and value one another’s differences.

• When you meet, give each other your full and undivided attention (turn the cell phone to silent or mention your reasoning for leaving it on if necessary).

• Be responsible for your own learning and actions. Plan to be open to trying new things.

• Build trust with one another by being open and honest.

Mentee program participation requires a $2,500 sponsorship. Fundraising is a key component in philanthropy. As part of the experiential learning process, mentees will fundraise $500 for any Valleywise Health program or service as part of their involvement in the Emerging Leaders program.

Role of a Mentor Introduction

In this section, you will learn the various roles of a mentor and guidelines for fostering a great relationship between mentor and mentee. Additionally, you will learn common traits and challenges of a mentee/mentor relationship.

Common Traits of a Mentor

Capability DeveloperSupporter Thought PartnerProcess Partner

Interprets feedback and assists mentee with converting feedback into action.

Looks for developmental moments and provides feedforward.

Seeks growth opportunities for mentee and self.

Enables mentee to discover remedies for developing capabilities.

Listens and provides encouragement to mentee

Creates a safe and trusting relationship

Helps mentee navigate through the Emerging Leaders program

Assists mentee with expanding his/her professional network

Serves as mentee’s sounding board

Assists with uncovering blind spots

Challenges mentee to avoid old mindsets and asks questions to discover options and solutions

Collaborates with mentee and creates a mentorship agreement

Encourages mentee to participate fully in the mentorship program (mentor circles and focus groups)

Partners with and sets expectations for action between meetings