Mentoring can be one of the most rewarding experiences for both mentees and mentors—but only if both sides come prepared. The National Mentoring Initiative, led by the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation, connects people across rural, regional, and remote Australia to share knowledge, build confidence, and grow leadership capacity.
However before the first conversation even begins, there’s one key question: Are you ready?
Readiness is more than just willingness. It’s about clarity, commitment, and respect—qualities that make mentoring relationships thrive. Here’s what it takes.
For Mentees: Making the Most of the Opportunity
If you’re stepping into the program as a mentee, think of this as a chance to drive your own development. A great mentoring experience doesn’t just “happen”—you shape it.
Set clear goals: Take time to outline what you want from the experience. Are you building confidence, seeking sector knowledge, or wanting to step up in leadership? Documenting your goals helps your mentor support you in a meaningful way.
Be open about your needs: Share your expectations and aspirations. Mentors aren’t mind-readers; they’re guides who can only help if they understand where you’d like to go.
Prepare for conversations: Come to meetings with focus—send through topics or challenges in advance, and agree on actions to take before you meet again. Your preparation demonstrates respect and maximises impact.
Invest in trust: Agree to confidentiality, communicate honestly, and treat the advice you receive as a generous learning opportunity. The stronger the trust, the deeper the learning.
Have fun with it: Yes, mentoring is about development—but it’s also about connection. Enjoy meeting someone new and expanding your leadership network
For Mentors: Guiding with Purpose
Mentors aren’t just knowledge providers—they’re catalysts for growth. Readiness here means stepping in with clarity and generosity.
Understand the mentee’s goals: Review what they want to achieve and align your guidance with their aspirations.
Be clear about expectations: Outline how often you’ll meet, what you’ll focus on, and what you can realistically contribute.
Share generously, but wisely: Ask questions, listen deeply, and share experiences that will open new pathways—while respecting the mentee’s own journey.
Encourage independence: Your role isn’t to provide all the answers, but to build confidence so mentees can make their own informed decisions.
Respect confidentiality: What’s shared in mentoring, stays in mentoring—unless agreed otherwise. This creates the safety mentees need to grow.
Mentoring is not just a gift to the mentee—it’s a rewarding experience for mentors too. You’re helping shape the next wave of leadership in rural and regional Australia.
Readiness = Stronger Outcomes
When both mentors and mentees are ready – clear on their goals, honest in their communication, and committed to the process – the National Mentoring Initiative becomes more than a program. It becomes a movement of rural leaders empowering each other.
If you’re considering joining the best first step is to reflect: Am I ready to contribute, ready to learn, and ready to grow?
Because readiness is where transformation begins.
