Information for Mentees (2)

Self Awareness

In order to complete a MentorSET questionnaire, you will need to think in more depth about the issues that you are facing at the present and which of these you would like to deal with within the mentoring relationship.

For many women working long hours or trying to combine work with family life, it is easy to concentrate on the day to day issues of life and forget the larger picture – where they are heading. Having a mentor is a chance to think about longer term objectives.

How many times have you been asked this question at an interview "Where do you see yourself in 5 years time?" and you have replied confidently but deep down have felt unsure?

Ask yourself the following searching questions:

Are you in control of your life or does your life just seem to have happened and it is not what you have wanted to have happened?

• To ensure that you get the most from life, you must take responsibility for your life.

Do you focus upon what you don't want or can't have ?

• Focus on what you want and how you can achieve this. Don't just let life happen.

What would you like to achieve in your life and work?

• Everybody has a different idea of a successful, fulfilling life. What is yours?
• Some women are intent on reaching the top in their profession even at a high cost to their social and personal lives. Achieving a more relaxed work/life balance is important to other women.

Where would you like to see yourself in three years and five years time?

• Focus on the future, not the past.
• Be realistic, take into account your strengths and weaknesses.
• Factor in your responsibilities outside work and allow yourself enough time for other interests.
• Identify problems, issues and barriers to be overcome.

How can you improve your chances of achieving these goals?

• What positive steps can you take?
• Where do you need help?

How can a mentor help you to achieve these goals?

• Think about achievable targets which you can discuss with your mentor.
• Write down a list of issues which you are facing and possible solutions to these problems.
• Discussing the issues with an independent mentor will enable you to think more clearly, perhaps allow you to put problems into perspective and will enable you to start to consider various possibilities and ways forward.

Your mentor can only help if you are interested in learning and developing. Try to be clear and realistic in your goals and expectations, but these will probably evolve as you explore the possibilities with your mentor.

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