Did you watch this mentoring session between Sean Combs (mentee) and Ray Dalio (mentor)?
This was a successful session.
What made this mentoring session successful?
First, let’s examine what the mentee did well.
The mentee (Sean Combs):
- Chose an appropriate environment.
- Prepared before the session.
- Focused on a specific topic.
- Asked advice, listened to the advice, and the followed up with questions.
- Expressed areas of weakness or areas for growth.
- Thanked his mentor.
Second, we review what the mentor did well.
The mentor (Ray Dalio):
- Listened intently.
- Offered guidance and solutions based on his experience.
- Found a common principle of life. In this case, both he and Sean have never worked for money.
- Explained why he wants to be a mentor.
- Articulated admiration for his mentee.
Finally, we present 5 steps to follow for a successful 60-minute mentoring session.
- Connect/Reconnect (1-2 minutes): Say hello. Sound upbeat and positive. If the mentor and mentee have not met, then they will be connecting for the first time. Remember to thank each other for taking the time to meet via phone, video chat, or face-to-face.
- Review (10 minutes): If the mentor and mentee are reconnecting, then this is a time to review actions relating to your overall mentoring goals, talk about lessons learned and insights gained. If the mentor and mentee have not met, this time can be used to develop a mentoring plan.
- Objective (1 minute): Focus on today’s topic. The objective should be decided before the mentoring session.
- Discussion (40 minutes): Discuss today’s topic.
- Conclusion ( 7-8 minutes): Reflect on key insights from today’s session. Agree on any items or actions that need to be completed before the next session. Confirm next session logistics (day, time, etc).
Ray Dalio has a #1 New York Times Bestseller called “Principles for Success.” Purchase the book. In addition, download the FREE app available on iPhone and iPad. With the app, experience this bestseller is a new format.