There is no single formula for good mentoring; mentoring styles and activities are as varied as human relationships. Different protégés will require different amounts and kinds of attention, advice, information, and encouragement. Some will feel comfortable approaching you; others will be shy, intimidated, or reluctant to seek help. A good mentor is approachable and available. At the same time, effective mentoring need not always require large amounts of time. You can provide great help in just a few minutes by making the right suggestion or asking the right question.

Here are some tips for effective mentoring.

To facilitate getting to know one another, it is important for you to build rapport with your protégé. This process takes time; if done in a comfortable and consistent manner, it will keep the relationship interesting and meaningful. Some suggestions for building rapport with your protégé:

	Establish regular times for meeting together.
	Make a list of items to be covered with your protégé during meetings.
	Help your protégé chart progress in areas that need improvement.
	Introduce your protégé to sources of information and contacts.
	Share success factors from your own personal experiences.
	Model good professional behavior.

Once you've established rapport with your protégé, you should facilitate a conversation in which you set mutual expectations as well as responsibilities for the relationship. The goal is to come to consensus on:

	Goals and responsibilities
	Ground rules for the mentoring relationship
	Meeting schedule
	Protocol for engaging each other

Initially, as with any relationship, there may be a test period and some initial tensions. Common problems that may arise are:

	Feelings of threat exist regarding the new relationship.
	Your protégé doesn't keep to the terms of the relationship.
	You and your protégé don't see eye to eye on certain issues.
	Either you or your protégé feels time pressures.
	There is poor communication.

The key to moving beyond these obstacles is open, frank, non-judgmental discussion--and the sooner the better.