This activity helps you and your mentees define your roles and set clear expectations in your mentoring relationship. By identifying what mentors and mentees should do, you’ll create a shared understanding and avoid confusion later on.
Establishing Clear Roles and Expectations
- Boundaries, Mentoring Ethics & Boundaries, Role Clarity
Introduction
Process
- Define Mentor and Mentee roles (10-15 min)
Divide into small groups (or reflect individually).
Brainstorm a list of mentor responsibilities (e.g., providing guidance, offering resources).
Brainstorm a list of mentee responsibilities (e.g., being proactive, communicating needs).
Write ideas on post-its and place them on a whiteboard or large paper.
Alone: List mentor and mentee roles based on your experience. Compare your list with best practices or mentoring guidelines. - Compare and align expectations (5-10 min)
Each group presents their lists.
Identify common themes and key differences.
Work together to agree on a group contract with shared mentor-mentee expectations.
Alone: Draft a short mentoring agreement for yourself, setting clear boundaries and expectations to communicate with your mentee. - Practice setting boundaries (10 min)
Role-play scenario: A mentee asks for a favour that crosses professional boundaries (e.g., a job recommendation for a position they are not qualified for).
One person plays the mentor, one plays the mentee, and they practice how to politely set limits.
Switch roles to explore different approaches.
Alone: Write down how you would professionally respond to a boundary-crossing request, and practice saying it out loud.
Outcome
Roles and Boundaries quiz:
- On a scale of 1-5, how comfortable are you with setting boundaries in professional relationships?
- Describe a time when you felt your boundaries were respected or crossed. How did it impact you?
Reflection and discussion
- In pairs or groups: Discuss answers to identify patterns and areas for improvement.
- Individually: Journal reflections on how to improve boundary-setting skills.
Please Share:
