Roles and Responsibilities

The role of the mentoree is to:

  • Take responsibility for identifying and achieving development goals
  • Ask questions of their mentor trusting that if he or she doesn’t know the answer, they will know where to find it
  • Be open-minded. Take advantage of the opportunity to be exposed to new things even if it is not their “thing”.  Share interest with their mentor.
  • Develop goals with the mentor that they would like help in achieving during the program
  • Establish specific goals and objectives for the mentoring relationship
  • Receive graciously both positive and constructive feedback, and implement as appropriate
  • Seek clarification on nay points not understood
  • Use their mentor as both a resource for knowledge and sounding board for ideas and issues

The role of the mentor is to:

  • Provide guidance and perspective to the mentoree
  • Provide feedback on ideas and plans, often before they are considered for further development
  • Share wisdom and ignites from your experience, while allowing the mentoree to have their own experience
  • Encourage and support mentorees to complete their program and its activities
  • Hold the mentoree accountable for achieving the goals they have set for the program
  • Create opportunities that many not be otherwise available to the mentoree e.g. increased visibility, access to networks
  • Support the needs and aspirations of the mentoree
  • Attend required mentoring sessions and meet commitments made to mentorees
  • Understand the skills that the mentoree is required to learn during the program and offer support in learning these skills, including recommending other HerBusiness services, programs and courses
  • Offer suggestions to improve mentorees’ skills, talents, abilities, initiative, and commitment in preparation for future endeavours
  • Offer challenging ideas that will inspire the mentorees
  • Help build self-confidence through praise, encouragement and constructive feedback
  • Do not be afraid to say “I do not know”

For more information on successful mentoring, visit the areas listed below:


About the Author

HerBusiness (formerly Australian Businesswomen’s Network) is a membership community that provides education, training, resources, mentoring and support for women business owners.