#3 Meet Regularly
Continuing with the Top Ten Mentoring Commandments…
#3 Meet Regularly
Different expectations in regard to regularity of meetings can result in disappointment or frustration. Some mentors will have in mind less frequent time together and mentorees may envision more time together. Hurt feelings can also result in not talking this over and setting some ground rules. The earlier this issue is clarified the better.
My experience is that mentoring works better with at least once a week contact either face-to-face or by phone. Email communication in between getting together is also helpful for building the relationship.
When I was an intern at a church I learned that what you put in is certainly what you get out. A person who is hungry to grow and develop is going to put more into a mentoring relationship. If a mentoree is consistently late for appointments or assignments, cancels and reschedules appointments, makes excuses, does not ask questions or does not have a good attitude I doubt she is ready for the growth that comes from being mentored. On the other hand, one who is eager to learn and grow, chomping at the bit to be established and equipped, grateful, a reader, a servant, humble, a great attitude, falling more in love with the Lord, quick to confess and deal with sin, this person is going to grow faster and will be the leader of the pack.
After all these years I continue to learn that the one who gives is the one who receives the most. At this time in my life I love mentoring and empowering others more than anything I do. What about you? Are you passing on to another what has been passed on to you?