Every great journey begins with a first step. And sometimes with a bit of awkward silence. See what a first mentoring meeting might look like and remember - authenticity is the key!
Marek checks his watch
“OK, the first meeting with Anna is about to start. I want to help her, but where to begin? I hope it won’t be awkward…”
Marek (Mentor)
Anna walks down the corridor
“I’m going to a meeting with the director… What will I say to him? He’s so busy. He’ll probably think I’m wasting his time.”
Anna (Mentee)
Awkward silence
Marek: Hi Anna, thank you for coming. So… tell me something about yourself.
Anna: Hello. My name is Anna, I work in analytics… Nothing special, really.
Marek speaks with conviction
“You know what? Let’s skip the formalities for a moment. I’ll tell you honestly - when I was in your place, I thought they were about to fire me. At my first meeting with my mentor, I poured out all my frustrations.”
Anna is surprised
“Really? Wow… Because I feel like everyone knows what they’re doing, and only I’m struggling.”
The conversation picks up
Marek: So where do we start? With the biggest frustration or the biggest dream?
Anna (thinking): OK. Maybe something good will come of this after all!
A true relationship begins where pretending ends.
Authenticity is your superpower as a mentor.
Read Also
- Mind Map: The Galaxy of Mentor Competencies
- First Impressions in Self-Presentation: How to Quickly and Effectively Win Audience Sympathy and Trust
- Guide: How to Create and Develop a Mentoring Knowledge Book
Read also
- Mentoring Programs: Employee Development
- Scrum Master Certification - PSM vs CSM, Which to Choose?
- Guide: How to Create and Develop a Mentoring Knowledge Book
Develop your skills
Want to deepen your knowledge in this area? Check out our training led by experienced EITT instructors.
➡️ Mentoring and coaching - the basics of effective support — EITT training
Frequently Asked Questions
How should a mentor prepare for the first meeting with a mentee?
A mentor should approach the first meeting with openness and authenticity rather than rigid formality. Preparing a few conversation starters, being ready to share personal experiences including past struggles, and setting a relaxed tone helps build trust from the very beginning.
What should be discussed during the first mentoring session?
The first session should focus on getting to know each other authentically, establishing mutual expectations, and beginning to identify the mentee’s goals and challenges. It is more important to build rapport and trust than to dive into technical advice or career planning right away.
How can mentors overcome the initial awkwardness of a new mentoring relationship?
The most effective approach is to be genuine and share personal stories, including moments of doubt or difficulty from your own career. When a mentor drops the facade of having all the answers, it creates a safe space for the mentee to open up honestly about their own challenges.
Why is authenticity considered the most important quality in a mentor?
Authenticity builds the trust that is essential for an effective mentoring relationship. Mentees can sense when a mentor is performing rather than being genuine, and real connection only begins when pretending ends. An authentic mentor who shares real experiences creates a foundation for meaningful guidance and growth.