Navigating Remote Mentoring: Tips for Virtual Success

Remote mentoring can be a challenge, especially if you’re the kind of person who loves to work face to face. All too often, the technology that’s meant to connect us can feel more like a barrier.

But it doesn’t have to.

In fact, with just a few small adjustments, that technology can empower you to become an even better mentor. That’s why we’ve put together this list of our favourite remote mentoring tips to help you really make a difference.

Define Early Goals/Objectives

It might seem simple, but there’s a real power in having clearly defined aims. Goals help us to refine our plans – to know where we’re going and what our end result should look like – while objectives keep us on track every step of the way. By defining both in the early stages of working together you’ll be able to ensure that meetings are always effective and practical.

One of the main benefits to working remotely is that it’s easy to arrange and reschedule meetings. If procrastination is something you struggle with then this might be a potential pitfall. Well spaced, bitesize objectives will not only help you to avoid this problem, but will turn this potential challenge into a useful benefit, giving you more control over your timetable while still keeping you on the path to success.

And while we’re on the subject of how technology can help…

Utilise Video Conferencing Features

Now here’s where we get to the real strengths of remote mentoring. The beauty of video conferencing is that you get all the benefits of a real, face-to-face conversation, combined with the benefits of technology.

These benefits include:

• Transcription apps – to help you keep clear notes of each meeting while enjoying free-flowing discussion.
• Faster research – Google is always at your fingertips making it easier than ever to verify information, research changes to role requirements, and bring new information to the table.
• Easier note-taking – many people find it easier to type notes rather than write them. Working through remote video conferencing allows you to do this without needing to break that all important flow.
• Improved time management – as mentioned above, remote meetings are easy to schedule and require less preparation. They’re also very easy to manage using a digital calendar. This is particularly useful for mentors and mentees working across different time zones, helping to minimise the risk of miscommunications. The software does all the work for you.

Did you know that Career Navig8r has all these features automatically built in? With us, you can get all the benefits of remote video conferencing in one place.

And all that’s just the beginning. The best thing about working with technology is that it can provide all kinds of tools to solve problems as and when you encounter them. On top of that, as remote working and education continues to gain popularity, others will continue to share their experiences online meaning that, if/when you’ve got a problem, the solution might already be out there.

Keep The Sessions Engaging and Dynamic

Variety is the spice of life, or so they say, and this couldn’t be more true when it comes to mentoring. In fact, of all our remote mentoring tips, this one is arguably the most important.

Why?

Well, there are two reasons. The first is that everybody learns more effectively when they’re engaged. Even the most dedicated student is always going to struggle when presented with a dry textbook. Besides which, they didn’t go looking for a textbook – they came looking for you, your unique skill set, and the inspiration you can offer.

Which brings us to our second reason. Mentoring is more than just teaching. Mentoring is as much about showing as it is about telling. Both showing how it’s done and simply that it’s been done. The best way to do that is to keep things active, putting your skills into practice in real situations.

Abstract skills  – such as leadership and organisation – are excellent (and well worth the time to develop) but it’s always good to mix things up with some more practical, hands-on sessions. These could include:

• Contacting current industry professionals to find relevant roles for your mentor and begin building their own network on the back of yours.
• Helping them to develop a portfolio by finding freelance work in their field.
• Preparing for the examinations/qualifications your mentor will need to get their dream role.
• Following your expert guidance to nail every step of the application process.

Build on Relevant Workplace Examples

When you’re starting out towards a goal, there can be a lot to focus on and sometimes the simplest things get lost in the mix. That’s why, although our last remote mentoring tip is an easy one, it’s also easy to overlook.

Just as it’s important to keep sessions fresh and fun, it’s also really useful to work with as many real world examples as you can. While we all have our own learning style, there’s no substitute for the real thing and the more often you can bring real-world experience to bear, the more authentic that learning process will be.

At the end of the day, the most important thing to remember about remote mentoring is that you and your mentee are on the same team. As you get to know one another you’ll build an invaluable working relationship, finding the methods that work best for you.

How To Become a Mentor

Sign up to become a Career Navig8r today and you’ll be all set to share your skills with the world. Are you ready to begin your inspirational journey?