Mentorship is like leveling up in the real world, where both mentor and mentee bring something to the table. To make sure mentorship works, there are some must-have qualities for both sides.

Let's dive into the top five qualities that awesome mentees and mentors should have, plus some brilliant questions they can ask each other.

5 Qualities of Fantastic Mentees:

1. Thirst for Knowledge:

Great mentees crave wisdom and are all about exploring new horizons. They're not just waiting for answers; they're hunting them down. Got some questions for your mentor? Try, "What books or articles have been your go-to for career insights?" or "What online courses do you recommend for someone starting out?"

2. The Art of Listening:

Effective communication isn't just about talking. It's about absorbing what your mentor dishes out. Ever wondered how your mentor's super listening skills helped them out? Ask, "Could you share a time when active listening was your secret sauce to success?"

3. Goal Getter:

Mentees should know where they're headed. They set goals like pros and measure their progress like bosses. Want to kick off a mentorship convo? Say, "What short-term and long-term goals do you think I should be aiming for?" and "How do I know I'm on the right track?"

4. Adaptability Vibes:

Change is a part of life, and great mentees roll with it. They're open to feedback, even if it stings a little. Curious about your mentor's journey through change? Pop the question, "What's the biggest curveball your industry threw at you, and how did you hit it out of the park?"

5. Taking the Lead:

Awesome mentees don't wait around for things to happen. They drive the mentorship forward like champs. Wondering how to rock your mentor-mentee relationship? Ask, "How can I be the best mentee for you?" and "What steps can I take to make this mentorship seriously awesome?"

5 Qualities of Stellar Mentors:

1. The Wisdom Bank:

A great mentor is a knowledge treasure chest. They've got stories to share and lessons to teach. Curious about their journey?  Ask, "What pivotal moments in your career made you think, 'I need to be a mentor?'" or "What are your top life lessons?"

2. Patience and Empathy:

Mentors understand where mentees are coming from. They're patient and empathetic guides through the ups and downs. Want to get personal? Ask, "What challenges are you facing right now in your career or personal life?" and "How can I support you?"

3. Easy to Reach:

Mentors are approachable and available when you need them. Feeling shy? Ask, "How often should we touch base, and what's your preferred mode of communication?" and "What can I do to make reaching out more comfortable?"

4. Honest Feedback:

Mentors don't sugarcoat; they give it to you straight. They're all about constructive feedback. Ready to improve?  Ask, "How should I handle feedback, and what areas should I focus on improving?" and "What's your take on my progress so far?"

5. Growth-Focused:

A fantastic mentor is all about their mentee's growth. They're in it for the long haul. Eager to dive in? Ask, "What are my career goals, and how can you help me reach them?" and "What changes do you want to see in my journey because of our mentorship?"

Mentorship isn't a one-way street; it's a shared adventure. It's all about exchanging wisdom, guidance, and insights, and it's a win-win for both sides. With these qualities and direct questions, mentorship can become a powerful catalyst for personal and professional growth in the modern world.

So, why wait? Head over to the OD Union Careers Page on our website, and let's get this mentorship journey started! Our mentorship programme is all about leveraging the OD network for career support and growth. We've got close to 500 ODs who've volunteered their expertise and experience to guide you on your path. They're here to provide a safe space for you to voice your concerns and help you find solutions.

Whether you're looking for a mentor or ready to be one, it's time to connect, learn, and thrive together.