Expectations of Mentors
Clarity of Roles &
Responsibilities
It is critical that both
parties involved in a
relationship understand
their individual
responsibilities, as well as
what to expect from their
counterpart. Mutual
understanding will help
ensure that neither party
is disappointed by the
other’s contributions.
Defining Mentors' Expectations, Roles, and Responsibilities
Mentors should understand the boundaries of their relationship so they provide their Mentee with an
appropriate level of support:
Core Performance
Expectations
 Value the development of
others
 Provide honest feedback
rather than general criticism
 Ensure a safe, risk-taking
environment (i.e., approach
the relationship from the
perspective of an advisor
rather than a senior leader of
the organization)
 Encourage open
communication
Time Commitment
Obligations
“Mentoring” Citizenship
 Set aside time (schedule
permitting) to work with
Mentees
 Leverage training sessions
offered by the organization to
improve mentoring abilities
 Devote the energy needed to
maintain a productive
mentoring relationship
 Maintain privacy/ confidentiality
of development conversations
 Set realistic expectations with
Mentees concerning
availability
 Provide input to assess and
improve the mentoring
program
 Meet on a regular basis as
determined by both
mentoring participants
 Maintain contact with
Mentees
 Refrain from passing
judgment on the Mentees'
ideas or actions
 Give advice over telling
Mentees what to do
CEB HR Leadership CouncilTM
For Midsized Companies
Source: Learning and Development Roundtable research; Corporate Leadership Council research; “Mentor Guide: Self-Paced Workbook,”
Triple Creek Associates; The New York State Training Council Mentor-Protégé Program.