Setting SMART goals
A good way to test whether the goals you're setting with the mentee are appropriate and realistic is to use the SMART approach. That is, the goals you agree on should be:
| Specific: | making it clear exactly what you are proposing, even if it requires a set of goals with each one stating its own aspect of the overall objective. |
| Measurable: | so you can determine when the mentee has finally met the requirements. |
| Achievable: | so you both feel confident that the goal can be reached within the time frame allowed. |
| Relevant: | meaning that it must relate to the mentee's professional development as a skilled and valuable employee. |
| Time-phased: | so you can track the mentee's progress according to a timetable with a finite end date. |
Specific, achievable goals are often a highly motivating force for a mentee, because these tangible outcomes let them see what their reward will be at the end of the hard grind.
Think about the type of employee you will be mentoring and the sorts of objectives they will need to strive for. Then define one or two concrete goals using the SMART approach.