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Mentor FAQ's

Q: As a mentor, do I need to be involved with The Vancouver Board of Trade?
A: Mentors are expected to be fully engaged members of The Vancouver Board of Trade. We recommend attending both a Member’s Orientation event and a Secrets of Positive Networking with Darcy Rezac event entitled The World’s Greatest Leaders Will Never Tell You Their Best-Kept Secret: Networking Works. Networking is the art of building relationships, yet it remains a mystery to many and is an under-appreciated leadership skill. Learn how you can develop this fundamental business tool, then practice your new-found skills at the reception following the event so you can pass them on to your mentee. Time invested in this session will add to the bottom line of your career success as you learn the best-kept secret of the world’s greatest leaders…great networking equals great leadership.
Q: What do I do if my mentee wants me to answer personal questions?
A: This question has to be answered at your own comfort level. If you are not comfortable with answering, let your mentee know. If you do wish to answer a difficult question, one strategy is to stress that you are willing to offer advice, but it is a personal opinion and is not necessarily reflective of what the mentee might do or the best scenario. Alternatively, you might search out resources and other mentors that would be better able to answer those questions and concerns.
Q: Is it all right to have the mentee work for me/job shadow?
A: This is not something LOT recommends. Mentees are not required to do work for their mentors as part of the program, and likewise mentors are not required to provide it. Certainly if your relationship has progressed to a point at which you feel comfortable embarking on this level of cooperation, it is up to you and your mentee.
Q: My mentee has asked me a question I can’t answer. What do I tell them?
A: Honesty is the best policy – if you cannot answer, let them know. Remember that you have an enormous group of dedicated mentors with incredible experience that would be happy to help you give your mentee the information they seek. Further, it could be a great exercise for the both of you to work on finding the information or research together.
Q: Where is an appropriate place to meet my mentee?
A: You can select any venue you would like – common venues are coffee shops, restaurants, or even at the hotel/conference centre just prior to or just after networking events. Some also choose conference rooms at their office; it is best to make a decision as to what is convenient and comfortable for both of you.
Q: My mentee’s only goal is to get a job. Isn’t there more to mentorship?
A: Yes there is! This is a common concern for many mentors – and many mentees. Many mentees are (understandably) nervous about their graduation, finding a job and probably finding a way to pay down some debt. As a mentor, your role is to help your mentee see beyond their short term goals. Sure they want a paycheck, but how can you help them understand the process of job searching? Provide some advice on common concerns and fears in a first job. Can you assist them in researching a company? Mock interviews? Can you help them explore the different industries in Vancouver? Try to help your mentee see that there are a lot of other benefits to mentorship and the LOT program.
Q: I can’t go to orientation/an event – I don’t want my mentee to be all alone. What can I do?
A: That’s the great thing about Leaders of Tomorrow – your mentee is now connected to a 150 person strong network. If your mentee is nervous about attending an event alone, suggest pairing up with a peer, another mentor, or one of the LOT volunteers for an event. If you are having any difficulty, contact the LOT office for more suggestions.
Q: Which Board of Trade events do you go to?
A: We highly recommend The Board’s Members’ Orientation sessions as a good introduction to The Board and its role in the community, and the monthly Members’ Receptions are a great opportunity for new mentees to test their networking skills. We will be highlighting some events throughout the year. However, the best strategic events for you and your mentee are the ones you choose for yourselves, in alignment with the mentee’s objectives.
Q: Who do I talk to if I have a problem with my mentee?
A: There are a number of resources to help you available from LOT. Informally, other mentors can be a great resource for common challenges. A large majority of our mentors return for many years; their expertise and experience may help you deal with issues or challenges that arise for you. Please also feel free to contact the LOT manager for advice or resources to assist you.
Q: What do I do if my mentee isn’t returning my phone calls/e-mails?
A: Please contact the LOT manager – each mentee is expected to be accountable, and they are required to actively participate in the Leaders of Tomorrow Mentorship Program®. If they are not responding to your inquiries, the LOT office will find out what is happening and help you resolve the situation.
Q: What information do I get about my mentee?
A: If you are from a sponsor company, you will receive a detailed profile of incoming LOT students which relate to your industry. You then pick your top three choices and the LOT office does it’s best to match you with your top pick. If you are a Vancouver Board of Trade mentor, during the latter part of September you will receive an e-mail confirming your mentee’s name, area of study and their e-mail address. The rest is up to you!