KEYS TO A SUCCESSFUL MENTORING RELATIONSHIP

In order to achieve a successful mentoring relationship, it is important that the entrepreneur understands what is expected of him/her and how to get the most out of the mentoring relationship, and this is learned throughout the mentoring process. acceleration programme.

Advice to the entrepreneur to ensure the success of the mentoring relationship:

Entrepreneurial responsibility

The entrepreneur must own and take responsibility for the mentoring relationship. After all, it is the entrepreneur's business, not the mentor's, so he or she should be the first stakeholder.

Managing the mentoring agenda

The entrepreneur, not the mentor, must manage the direction of the mentoring programme. If the entrepreneur does not clearly determine his objectives, his problems... it is difficult for the relationship to go well.

Set objectives: is essential for the entrepreneur!

• Set out some of its objectives to work on during the mentoring relationship.
• Discuss these objectives with the mentor, agree on them and put them down on paper.
• Review these objectives regularly with the mentor.

Being proactive in the mentoring relationship

This means taking the initiative and setting the pace with the agreement of the mentor. To play an active role on a regular basis.

Maintaining contact

Be polite and courteous. Be consistent and reliable. Keep in touch by e-mails, messages, etc. It is reasonable to expect the mentor to do the same.

Being prepared to give (and receive) feedback

Being open to constructive feedback is very important in the mentoring relationship!Remember that mentor feedback is for growth, not criticism! The entrepreneur also has the right to give feedback to his mentor.

Being honest

Let your mentor know if you have misunderstood something or have a different opinion.

Be open to new learning opportunities

Make the most of this learning opportunity!

Progress actions

The entrepreneur has to be action-oriented and follow up on agreed actions. It is reasonable to expect the mentor to do the same.

Understand that the mentor does not have all the answers:

The mentor will have considerable business experience, but cannot be expected to know everything. You can refer your entrepreneur to other "experts" using the mentorDay help tools. Alternatively, the entrepreneur has the option of seeking support from a mentoring manager.

• SEE TYPICAL REASONS FOR BREAK-UP (+)

• SEE HOW TO IMPROVE THE RELATIONSHIP, RISE TECHNIQUE (+)

These tips are very important to ensure a successful mentoring relationship between a mentor and an entrepreneur. In a nutshell, the entrepreneur is responsible for the relationship, must manage the agenda and set clear objectives together with the mentor. It is also important that the the entrepreneur is proactive and maintains good communication and constant contact with the mentor.

In addition, it is It is essential to be prepared to receive and give constructive feedback, being honest and open to new learning opportunities. It is also important that the The entrepreneur is action-oriented and follows up on the actions agreed with the mentor.

Finally, it is important for the entrepreneur to understand that the mentor does not have all the answers, but can direct the entrepreneur to other experts or tools to help.

An example of how to apply this advice would be that an entrepreneur seeking to expand his or her business internationally can set as an objective of the mentoring relationship the development of an internationalisation strategy.

Together with the mentor, the entrepreneur can set specific goals and deadlines for the development of this strategy. The entrepreneur should be proactive in following up and looking for learning opportunities, and should also maintain good communication and constant contact with the mentor.

In each mentoring session, the entrepreneur should follow up on the agreed actions and be honest with the mentor about any difficulties or doubts he/she has.

PRACTICAL EXAMPLES OF HOW TO ACHIEVE A GOOD MENTORING RELATIONSHIP:

1. Set clear objectives: Before starting a mentoring relationship, the mentor and entrepreneur should discuss and set clear and achievable goals. This will help ensure that both are on the same page and working towards a common goal.
2. Open and honest communication: Communication is key in any relationship and the mentoring relationship is no exception. The entrepreneur should feel comfortable to express their needs and concerns, while the mentor should be an active listener and offer practical advice and solutions.
3. Be proactive: The entrepreneur must be proactive and take the initiative to plan and coordinate mentoring meetings, present topics for discussion and follow up on agreements made. The mentor, in turn, must be available and willing to offer help and expertise.
4. Respect and empathy: Both parties should respect each other's time and opinions. The entrepreneur should be mindful of the mentor's time and experience, while the mentor should be sympathetic and empathetic to the challenges faced by the entrepreneur.
5. Maintain a professional relationship: While it is important to build a relationship of trust and support, it is essential to maintain a professional relationship. The entrepreneur and mentor should set clear boundaries and ensure that the focus remains on the mentoring objectives.
6. Be receptive to feedback: The entrepreneur should be receptive to constructive feedback from the mentor and use it as a tool to improve and grow. The mentor, in turn, should be respectful and offer constructive feedback in a clear and direct manner.
7. Acknowledgement and appreciation: The entrepreneur should be grateful for and acknowledge the help and time given by the mentor. The mentor should also feel valued and appreciated for his or her contribution to the entrepreneur's success.

These are just a few practical examples of how to achieve a good mentoring relationship. The key is to establish a relationship based on trust, communication and mutual respect.

METHOD A MENTOR CAN USE TO PRACTICE BUILDING A GOOD MENTORING RELATIONSHIP:

1. Set objectives: The mentor should set his or her own objectives for the mentoring relationship. He/she should have a clear idea of what he/she wants to achieve with the entrepreneur and how he/she can help him/her to reach his/her goals.
2. Knowing the entrepreneur: The mentor must take the time to get to know the entrepreneur and understand his or her business and vision. He/she should listen carefully to the entrepreneur's needs and challenges.
3. Effective communication: The mentor must have effective communication skills and ensure that the entrepreneur understands the messages being conveyed. They should be clear and concise in their messages, ask open questions to encourage discussion and be attentive to non-verbal cues.
4. Flexibility: The mentor must be flexible and adaptable to the entrepreneur's needs. He/she should be willing to change his/her approach or strategy if necessary to help the entrepreneur achieve his/her goals.
5. Emotional support: The mentor should be an emotional support for the entrepreneur. He/she should be encouraging and motivating, and be available to discuss any problems or challenges the entrepreneur may face.
6. Establish a relationship of trust: The mentor must establish a relationship of trust with the entrepreneur. He/she must be honest and transparent, and maintain confidentiality at all times.
7. Evaluation and monitoring: The mentor should regularly assess the entrepreneur's progress and provide constructive feedback. He/she should ensure that goals are being achieved and set new goals if necessary.
8. Closure: The mentor must ensure that the mentoring relationship is properly closed. He or she must provide the entrepreneur with tools and resources to continue to grow and develop, and ensure that he or she feels confident to continue on his or her entrepreneurial journey.