Creating a Culture of Mentorship: Part 2 – Being a Good Mentee | University of Utah Health

Enthusiasm and Organization 


A mentee ultimately decides how fruitful the relationship with a mentor is. With curiosity comes the core interest the mentee has for their chosen profession. A mentee’s inherent interest should generate the energy and enthusiasm that will drive the relationship forward.  

That energy is the foundation for the healthy habits that mentees need to have with their mentors. Because mentors are often so busy, mentees must always have a running list of questions to share with a mentor ahead of the next meeting. That way the mentor is refreshed on the previous session and has a clearer picture of how to help during the next meeting.

 

A mentee must also have discipline—to follow through on what the mentor is teaching, and to deal with inevitable mistakes and the feedback they bring. It is normal to feel defensive or have doubts when receiving feedback. But it is imperative to embrace this feedback as part of one’s role as a learner. Let mistakes build calluses—there is no learning without them. 
 

Most importantly, the energy the mentee brings to the table will make them more enjoyable to work with. Be fun. Be ready with ideas and objectives. Mentors are often dealing with a wide range of work— and problems that aren’t always easy to solve. 
 

But an excited mentee can reinvigorate a mentor, and the mentor will have more to offer in return.