How to get the most from your Fundraising Mentor
Finding the right fundraising mentor is important, but it’s only half the process. You also need to consider how to get the most out of your mentor/mentee relationship.
Here are a few tips to help you do that:
- Establish Goals
Discuss with your mentor what you want to achieve and define the mentorship outcomes. This will help both of you focus on what is important in your mentorship relationship. If you don’t have tangible goals, how will you know whether you’re making progress or not?
- Prepare for Sessions
Don’t go to a mentoring session without putting in the preparation. Remember, these sessions are to help you so you need to put in the work to ensure you maximize the time your mentor is giving you. Before your meeting, you should:
Review the notes from your last meeting.
Make a note of questions you want to ask.
Set goals for the upcoming meeting.
While it’s your mentor’s responsibility to share knowledge and make observations, you also need to play an active role in making the most of the discussions.
- Give feedback
Although the majority of feedback will come from your mentor, there are times when you’ll also be expected to provide feedback. When giving feedback:
Be specific and avoid vague statements.
Only give feedback when it’s solicited.
Be descriptive rather than evaluative.
Be honest. Don’t be rude, but be clear.
- Take constructive criticism on board
Part of personal development involves receiving criticism. Not all feedback you’ll get from your mentor will be positive. You must learn to accept and handle negative feedback well. It’s only when you are open and able to take constructive criticism on board that you’ll make the most of your mentorship.
Do bear in mind, though, that constructive criticism should help find solutions. If you’re only finding problems and not solutions, you may want to think about seeking a new mentor.
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If you or someone you know would benefit from a fundraising mentor, Craigmyle Fundraising Consultants can help. Get in touch to discuss how we could support.
