Setting a mentor session schedule and location with mentees shows that you care about nurturing a meaningful relationship with them.\u00a0 By establishing a dependable schedule and thoughtfully choosing a location, you are communicating that you value your time with them.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

Schedule<\/h3>\n

Frequency and Time<\/h4>\n

We suggest meeting every two weeks for formal mentor sessions.\u00a0 For most people, one week is too short a time to really implement any personal development plans (e.g., new devotional habits or a new exercise regimen).\u00a0 On the other hand, four weeks creates too great a gap between mentor sessions; if mentees have trouble implementing their plans, it may take a month before you are even aware of it and can help them adjust the plan or create a new one.\u00a0 Whatever frequency you choose (or can implement), try to find a rhythm that gives mentees enough time to implement their personal growth plans but doesn\u2019t leave them too much time to get overly discouraged when they face challenges.\u00a0<\/p>\n

A few years ago, I spoke to a student in an academic mentoring program; he told me that his mentor had not met with him in several months.\u00a0 I doubt the mentor deliberately forgot about his student, but time passes quickly when you are busy.\u00a0 Scheduling to meet frequently and dependably can help you avoid this unfortunate situation.<\/p>\n

Length<\/h4>\n

When it comes to the length of the regular mentor session, one hour is usually suitable.\u00a0 Most mentees have several vocational responsibilities and will not be able to add multiple hours to a normal week for mentor sessions.\u00a0 However, you also need to consider what works best in their culture and their circumstances for building them up and helping them grow personally.\u00a0 Also, try to be consistent with the length of time you spend in mentor sessions.\u00a0 If the session lasts one hour this week and then three hours in two weeks, it is difficult for busy mentees to schedule their time.<\/p>\n

This doesn\u2019t mean you can only meet with your mentee for one hour every two weeks; it just means that you should have a clear start and stop time for formal mentor sessions.\u00a0 You may spend other informal time with the mentee.\u00a0 Remember that every culture and every mentee is different.\u00a0 Some mentees need more formal and informal time; others need less than you would expect.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Location<\/h3>\n

When you are filming, you must have the right environment to produce a high-quality video.\u00a0 Even if you have expensive, modern equipment, your final product will be poor if your environment is poor.\u00a0 You need good natural light or good electric lighting for quality shots.\u00a0 You must avoid places that are windy or noisy.\u00a0 The right environment is also critical when it comes to mentoring.\u00a0 When choosing a location to meet for mentor sessions, keep the following details in mind.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Privacy<\/h4>\n

First, choose a place that is private.\u00a0 One of my mentees once broke down and cried while we were meeting in a busy coffee shop.\u00a0 That was quite awkward.\u00a0 If you meet in the mentee\u2019s home, you don\u2019t want his\/her kids running through or the dog sniffing your leg the whole time or the TV blaring in the background.\u00a0 If you want your mentee to share comfortably and honestly, you need a private place to meet.\u00a0 If you want to meet a mentee at your home, make sure your spouse or roommate is okay with that.<\/p>\n

Territory<\/h4>\n

Second, keep in mind that if you meet in your home, your mentee is in your \u201cterritory\u201d and may not feel comfortable sharing deeper matters with you.\u00a0 Conversely, if you meet in your mentee\u2019s home, that is their \u201cterritory.\u201d\u00a0 Just check with him\/her about this.\u00a0 Decide if you feel comfortable confronting them with the law and asking honest questions in that setting.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Consistency<\/h4>\n

Finally, avoid moving around too much from week to week unless that is something that you both find agreeable.\u00a0\u00a0 Maybe you both like craft beers and want to visit every craft beer place in your area.\u00a0 Or you want to try every coffee shop in your part of town.\u00a0 That is fine, but be careful that meeting in a different location every session is not distracting.<\/p>\n