Activity: Speed Mentoring
Through strategic conversations with others, you can learn with and from one another, and build community. This exercise will promote respect and being curious about each other’s lived experiences, regardless of whether they match one’s own experience, elevate understanding and facilitate creative problem solving.
Purpose
Taking time to learn about each other through active listening and genuine discourse will surface different values, perspectives and interests. It will also expand your network and knowledge about the profession through unstructured informational interviews.
Time
30-45 minute/meeting. Conduct meetings throughout the course of the mentoring relationship.
Materials
Writing utensil and paper or journal for taking notes (optional)
Who
Individual
What
- Set up meetings with various colleagues across your institutions to have coffee to learn more about their work experiences. These are short, strategic conversations on specific topics as a way to have a shared experience and broaden your understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing your institution.
- Prepare a list of 5-10 questions that could help guide your conversation. If you are the mentee performing these meetings, ask your mentor for feedback on your questions.
- Come to the meeting actively ready to listen and ask questions.
Tips
- Take notes as a way to remember the answers to your questions, as well as to demonstrate active listening.
- Avoid gossip, rather focus on ideas and trends in your field.
