Activity: Structuring Discussion
This activity will promote learning about each other and develop curiosity about different points of view. Sharing is a powerful way to create space for engagement and rapport. Listening to learn from one another, asking questions, being curious and being present will have long-term impact on the quality of your mentoring relationship.
Purpose
Through conversation and listening, the mentoring pair will learn more about their partner and their profession through semi-structured discussions around professional topics.
Time
Shorter (10-15 minute) and longer (30-40 minute) discussions can happen throughout the course of the mentoring relationship.
Materials
Collaborative word processor to brainstorm and keep track of discussion topics
Who
Mentor & Mentee
What
- Create a shared document of topics that the mentoring pair wants to learn more about.
- Schedule a time for discussion. These discussions could be structured in a variety of ways. For example, the mentoring pair could:
- Read an article together.
- Engage in discussions about knowledge gaps.
- Attend a lecture together with discussion afterwards.
- Engage with campus initiative.
- Share work challenges that keep you up at night.
- Explore work culture.
- Discussing national trends.
Tips
Avoid gossip, rather focus on ideas, possibilities and learning.
