You do not need to have all of the attributes listed in the graphic to be ready for a mentoring relationship. Some of the areas may be chosen as possibilities you want to work on with a mentor.
Text version of mentoring mindset graphic:
Takes Initiative
- Initiates contact with Mentor
- Self-starter
- Action orientated
Learning Orientation
- Exhibits curiosity
- Asks questions
- Able to admit to not knowing everything
Open
- Able to accept feedback
- Seeks feedback
- Accepts advice graciously
Organized
- Sets goals and has a vision
- Manages time effectively
- Sees the big picture
Communicative
- Keeps lines of communication open
- Active listener
Relational
- Wants to build relationships
- Knows how to network or wants to learn how
Reflective
- Can self-assess, reflect and articulate reflection
- Learns from mistakes
Ethical
- Can keep confidences
- Trusts and can be trusted
- Honest
*Adapted from The Mentoring Mindset: Desired Practices of a Protégé in a Mentoring Relationship, Linda J. Searby, Published in The Wiley International Handbook of Mentoring, 2020. The information is also available online via Research Gate in The Protégé mentoring mindset: a framework for consideration, Linda J. Searby, 2014.