2. Inintial meeting guidelines

At the initial meeting, mentor and mentee can get to know each other, set the scope and set the mid- and long-term expectations for the mentoring programme. Also, please be sure to exchange the necessary contact information. The following sections can be used as a starting point: 

2.1. Review the guidelines
This is important to ensure compliance, and a joint understanding of the scope of a DDSA mentoring process.

2.2. Discuss interests and motivations
Mentor and mentee are encouraged to discuss their respective professional interests, such that one or more areas of shared appeal may be identified. Likewise, participants should voice their respective motivations both for engaging in a mentoring programme and in a broader professional context.

2.3. Share goals, ambitions and expectations
Involved parties should voice clearly their respective goals, ambitions and expectations for the mentoring programme, such that the scope and focus of the engagement may be defined. We encourage involved parties to set goals for the mentoring programme, e.g., for the mentee’s development in a specific area within the duration of the mentoring programme.

2.4. Decide on format and process
Critically, involved parties should agree on an initial format for engaging in the mentoring programme and a process by which the engagement should be carried out. Elements to consider may include 

2.4.1. How meetings will take place (In-person, online, mix)
2.4.2. How often meetings will take place (Monthly, biweekly, ad hoc. etc.)
2.4.3. What duration meetings will generally have (30 mins., 1 hour etc.)
2.4.4. What topics will be discussed at meetings (Optional)

2.5. Fill out the Mentoring Programme Agreement
This document helps summarise all the above information in one place.

3. Recurring meeting guidelines

As mentioned above, involved parties are of course free to customize meeting formats and content as needed under the DDSA Code of Conduct. Please consider the following bullet points as a starting point for action to take in a recurring meeting. 

3.1. Review state
What has happened since the last meeting? What experiences or challenges are worth mentioning and/or discussing?

3.2. Sparring
The sparring between mentor and mentee is the main element of the mentorship. Here, it may be worthwhile to visit both long-term challenges plans and strategies, as well as specific current or short-term challenges.

3.3. Set/review goals and expectations up to next meeting
If specific goals for the mentoring programme is set, we encourage involved parties to briefly review these in the light of the current state, at each subsequent meeting. Likewise, specific goals, ambitions and expectations may be set until next meeting.

3.4. Schedule the next meeting
Please make sure to schedule the next meeting (and, ideally, all subsequent meetings) clearly, to avoid any confusion. Please be respectful of each other’s time and effort.