We’re thrilled that you’re a mentor on mentor247 (the Platform).
As a mentor, you represent yourself, but also the Platform, so we’ve created the below Code of Conduct that will help you provide the best service possible.
By providing mentoring services on the Platform, you agree to our Terms of Use (TOU) and Privacy Policy (PP) and the below Mentor Code of Conduct.
If you do not agree with the terms in any of these agreements, please refrain from providing services as a mentor and notify us so that we can remove you.
- Trust and Confidentiality. Creating a sense of trust and confidentiality with your mentee is crucial for the success of the sessions. Imagine that you’re 007, and keep the sessions confidential. 😊
- Expectations. Imagine being blindfolded, with earplugs, and in a new place. This is what mentoring sessions feel like for some people – especially if they haven’t had mentoring before. Which is why it’s always best practice to start the first session by aligning expectations and talking to your mentee about the following:
(a) Confidentiality – mention that everything is confidential.
(b) The Process – mention how the sessions run, starting from the technical aspects (“we’ll have 3 sessions, each 1 hour”) and the actual content (“in the first session we’ll start with…and towards the 3rd session we’ll….”). This helps them know what to expect.
(c) Invite them to share – ask them if it’s their first experience with mentoring. If it is, share that it’s completely normal to feel that the process is a bit strange. Afterall, they are expected to share personal issues with a complete stranger over a video call. Tell them that it’s ok, and that many people feel the same, but that the feeling goes away (it does). Mention the importance of being open and sharing information and how this will help them make progress.
(d) Expected results – mention what are realistic results from the sessions and what aren’t.
(e) Questions and feedback – invite them to feel free to ask questions or provide feedback if they want to change anything. - Your virtual and physical surroundings. Mentoring is a journey, but if your (virtual or physical) background features exotic beaches and palm trees, then it may cause your mentee to dream of vacations instead of focusing on the session. Also, if your background is full of your weekend laundry, that won’t look too professional either. Please keep your background free from distractions and professional.
- Appropriate surroundings and environment. We’re all busy, so there’s nothing more efficient than mentoring while driving or doing other errands. But that’s also unprofessional and will most likely end any chance of an additional session. Please make sure that you’re in a quiet place, with no distractions and that the sessions are held on your computer, or tablet (not your phone). Also, your phone should be on quiet (preferably upside down) and it helps if you close other screens so that you can give your full focus to your mentee.
- Internet Connection & technical requirements: There’s nothing like a good disappearing trick, but perhaps less so when it’s during a mentoring session. Please make sure that you have a good internet connection (it’s best to be connected by physical cable, not Wi-Fi or hotspot) and that you have a working microphone, camera, and speakers (test everything at least 10 minutes before the session).
- Camera. Your camera needs to be on during the session. This is not only polite, but (a) helps improve the interaction between you and your mentee, (2) creates a personal connection and (c) makes it easier for both sides to better understand communication through body language.
- Dress for success & Punctuality. Self-expression is important, but coaching in pajamas may give off a ‘I just rolled out of bed’ kind of vibe. We would appreciate it if you came to the meeting in appropriate clothing. As for punctuality, you’re being paid for your time, experience, and professionalism. Showing up late negatively reflects all of these. Kindly open the video chat at least 5 minutes before the session.
- Humor is welcome but remember that different cultures enjoy different types of humor, so be cautious when saying that old joke from high school.
- Languages & understanding. Not everyone has the same level of English. Speak slowly, clearly and leave out the fancy words. We also advise that you specifically tell the person that if they don’t understand something, they should feel free to ask you to repeat it.
- Listening and empathy. Even if you have Batman’s suit in your closet, remember that we are all human and make mistakes. So accept your mentee’ mistakes with understanding and patience. Make sure to show empathy and to listen before you rush to give solutions or advice. Sometimes people just want to be listened to.
- Be Nice. That’s it, nothing else to add here. 🙂
- How to start / end a session. It’s important to begin sessions with encouragement, especially if they are ongoing, and to end them with a call to action: “I look forward to hearing how it went”, or: “Feel free to schedule another session if you want to continue working on A and B”.
We kindly remind you that scheduling sessions not through our Platform will put you at risk (of not getting paid for example) and result in your removal from the Platform.
We advise that at the beginning of the first session you mention the following:
We’re sure that you will do great, and we’re here to help with anything you need (even coaching tips if you like).
Thanks for being part of the team and Good luck
