How to be a Good Mentee

Being a good #mentee in academic medicine involves actively engaging in your professional development, maintaining effective communication with your mentor, and demonstrating a commitment to learning and growth. Here are some tips on how to be a good mentee: 

1. Initiate Communication:

It is your job to initiate communication with your mentor, so schedule regular meetings.

Prepare an agenda for each meeting to make the most of your time together.

2. Clearly Define Your Goals

The better you understand your short-term and long-term academic and career goals, the better guidance your mentor can give. If you are not sure of your goals, we can help you create a plan

3. Act on the Advice:

Whether you carry out the plan you created together or an alternative one that you realize may work better for you, Act on the advice and suggestions provided by your mentor.

4. Be Patient and Persistent:

Recognize that academic and professional development takes time. Be patient and persistent in your efforts, and continue to learn and grow throughout your career.

5. Seek Constructive Feedback:

Don’t shy away from constructive criticism but demonstrate a willingness to learn from your mentor's insights in order to improve and grow.

6. Respect Your Mentor’s Time:

Be respectful of your mentor's time constraints. Come prepared to meetings, stay focused on the agenda, and be mindful of time constraints during discussions.

7. Be Adaptable:

Be adaptable and open to adjusting your goals and plans based on your mentor's feedback, your wants and needs and changing circumstances in academic medicine.

8. Share Your Progress:

Regularly update your mentor on your progress, achievements, and challenges. This ensures that your mentor is well-informed and can provide timely and relevant guidance.

9. Foster a Two-Way Relationship:

Recognize that mentorship is a two-way relationship. While you receive guidance, your insights, expertise, and assistance can be invaluable to them when appropriate.

If you are interested in defining your niche, focusing your academic productivity, working with mentors/coaches in order to more quickly get promoted or move into leadership roles without feeling overworked or stressed out, we would love to have you schedule a time to talk!

Have a great week and I hope everyone is finding joy!