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1. Get Ready for Mentoring

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22 mins

How to Be a Good Listener

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Listening is key to most relationships. We all know how it feels when someone pretends to listen, but does not give us their full attention. Mentoring requires strong listening skills.
A good listener hears not only what’s said, but also what’s left unsaid.

Here are some tips to become a better listener -
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1. Be present

First, put your phone on silent and keep it aside. Face your body towards the other person, and if culturally appropriate, make eye contact. Show you are interested. Check your posture–are you relaxed and open? Give your full attention.

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2. Stop talking and just listen

So often we do not give other people the space to talk. We interrupt them, finish their sentences, or talk over them. This shuts the other person down. Be silent. Give non-verbal cues showing you are listening. Allow for pauses so your mentoring partner can think more deeply.

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3. Remove distractions

If you are meeting virtually, set your cameras in a way that you can make eye contact. Remove distractions. Avoid distracting behaviors such as doodling, checking your phone and yawning. Offer your undivided attention.

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4. Be non-judgmental

Try to remove your prejudices and judgments from your interaction. Keep an open mind and fully listen. Show empathy. Try to step into your partner’s shoes and understand their perspective.

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5. Pay attention to non-verbal communication

Watch your partner and notice their gestures, expressions and body language. Are you sensing how they are feeling? What are they saying through their body language?

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Sample Agenda for a Regular Mentoring Meeting

This structured agenda is based on MentorCloud’s “best practices”.

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1 min

This structured agenda is based on MentorCloud’s “best practices” learned from working with many companies across the globe. It will help your mentoring meetings be productive and successful.

The recommended time is 60 minutes.

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1. Feedback And Update (10 minutes)

Reminder on the importance of confidentiality and respect.
Update on what has happened since the last meeting. Refer to Notes from last meeting.
Feedback from the mentee and mentor on their progress regarding Tasks, Goals and the action plan.
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2. Discussion (40 minutes)

Discussion points to be presented by the mentee.
Questions asked by mentors to clarify the issues or challenges.
Guided discussion on how to address challenges.
Options to address challenges going forward.
Mentor can share experience or advice if the mentee requests it.
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3. Close (10 minutes)

New action plan for mentees.
Update Goals, Tasks and add any new Notes
New action points for mentors.
Preparation for the next meeting: venue, date and time?

When you create a Session, there is an option for your to write down an Agenda. It is best to plan ahead and have a few points of discussion written down for the next meeting.

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