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Mentorship has been a hot topic on a few threads in this forum. We know how important it is for career growth, but sometimes it's hard to find mentors. Some mentor-mentee relationships are formal, and others are informal. Some relationships flourish, while others fizzle after the initial contact. Everyone is busy, and something can always get in the way of forming that relationship. So, I'd like your opinion on the following question:

What do you think makes for a sustainable and valuable mentor/mentee relationship? 

For me, I've found that first and foremost, both parties have to be willing to "put in the work". The relationships I've had (on both sides) where we were willing to set up a consistent phone call, meeting, etc. seemed to always become more valuable over time, even if it was just once a year at a conference. The ones where we didn't make a plan to meet (assuming I wasn't already working with the person) never made it beyond an initial meeting or two. Like many other things in my career, just showing up is a major part of being able to create a valuable mentor/mentee relationship.

On a related note, if you are looking for a mentor or want to be a mentor, check out this new ASCE program where you can do just that. Here is the link:  https://collaborate.asce.org/mentoring/home

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Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Founder
Engineers Rising LLC
www.engineersrising.com
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Yes, as Stephanie says, if we are "willing to put in the work," mentoring yields many benefits -- and not just for the mentee.

To learn more about how to be a mentor or mentee and about ASCE's revamped mentoring program, consider attending the free 60-minute webinar ASCE and I are presenting at 2:00 PM ET on Tuesday, January 15.

More information is available here: https://cc.readytalk.com/registration/#/?meeting=iwesfzqxpdyf&campaign=eq3u3f9hfyb6

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Stu Walesh PhD, PE
Consultant - Teacher - Author
219-242-1704
www.HelpingYouEngineerYourFuture.com

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Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2019 14:50
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Are you looking for a mentor or do you want to be a mentor?

Mentorship has been a hot topic on a few threads in this forum. We know how important it is for career growth, but sometimes it's hard to find mentors. Some mentor-mentee relationships are formal, and others are informal. Some relationships flourish, while others fizzle after the initial contact. Everyone is busy, and something can always get in the way of forming that relationship. So, I'd like your opinion on the following question:

What do you think makes for a sustainable and valuable mentor/mentee relationship?

For me, I've found that first and foremost, both parties have to be willing to "put in the work". The relationships I've had (on both sides) where we were willing to set up a consistent phone call, meeting, etc. seemed to always become more valuable over time, even if it was just once a year at a conference. The ones where we didn't make a plan to meet (assuming I wasn't already working with the person) never made it beyond an initial meeting or two. Like many other things in my career, just showing up is a major part of being able to create a valuable mentor/mentee relationship.

On a related note, if you are looking for a mentor or want to be a mentor, check out this new ASCE program where you can do just that. Here is the link:  https://collaborate.asce.org/mentoring/home

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Founder
Engineers Rising LLC
www.engineersrising.com
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I have really enjoyed and appreciated this thread on mentoring that has been going on for quite a while. A while back there was much discussion about generational differences and how generational diversity can be a major strength to an organization if it was embraced by leadership. 

I just read a really cool (that adjective defines me as a baby boomer) article in the Washington Post about how Tom Brady of the Patriots approaches generational diversity to strengthen his team. It is a an excellent example for leaders and mentors in all organizations, including engineering. You don't have to be a Patriots fan or even a football fan to learn from and appreciate this article. I hope you read it. 

'Hi, I'm Tom Brady': How the Patriots' 41-year-old quarterback relates to teammates

Washington Post		remove preview
'Hi, I'm Tom Brady': How the Patriots' 41-year-old quarterback relates to teammates January 12 at 6:51 AM FOXBOROUGH, Mass. - Phillip Dorsett sat on a table inside the New England Patriots' training room, having just completed the physical that made him an official member of the franchise. Just then, one of his new teammates entered the room and walked straight toward him. View this on Washington Post >

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Bevin Beaudet P.E., M.ASCE
President/Owner
Bevin A. Beaudet, P.E., LLC.
West Palm Beach FL
(561)373-4442
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-08-2019 14:50
From: Stephanie Slocum
Subject: Are you looking for a mentor or do you want to be a mentor?

Mentorship has been a hot topic on a few threads in this forum. We know how important it is for career growth, but sometimes it's hard to find mentors. Some mentor-mentee relationships are formal, and others are informal. Some relationships flourish, while others fizzle after the initial contact. Everyone is busy, and something can always get in the way of forming that relationship. So, I'd like your opinion on the following question:

What do you think makes for a sustainable and valuable mentor/mentee relationship?

For me, I've found that first and foremost, both parties have to be willing to "put in the work". The relationships I've had (on both sides) where we were willing to set up a consistent phone call, meeting, etc. seemed to always become more valuable over time, even if it was just once a year at a conference. The ones where we didn't make a plan to meet (assuming I wasn't already working with the person) never made it beyond an initial meeting or two. Like many other things in my career, just showing up is a major part of being able to create a valuable mentor/mentee relationship.

On a related note, if you are looking for a mentor or want to be a mentor, check out this new ASCE program where you can do just that. Here is the link:  https://collaborate.asce.org/mentoring/home

------------------------------
Stephanie Slocum P.E., M.ASCE
Founder
Engineers Rising LLC
www.engineersrising.com
------------------------------