Tips, Guidelines, and Best Practices
Presented by
The James Beard Foundation has supported women in culinary for the last three years through its various women’s initiatives. Women are central to the hospitality industry, and they are at the center of our organization’s efforts to build back better. We are proud to partner with KitchenAid to continue supporting women in culinary, and the industry as a whole, through James Beard Foundation Mentorship presented by KitchenAid.
A successful mentorship relationship should have all of these key characteristics.
An intentional investment of time and energy
A variety of perspectives, skills, and expertise where both people listen to each other’s viewpoints
Room for interpretation of advice
Mutual benefits and learning for mentors and mentees
Respect and value each other and the ways you’re alike and different
Trust and honesty where meetings and discussions are kept confidential
Initiate the mentorship relationship.
Have clearly defined goals for what you hope to get out of the relationship.
Be open to constructive feedback.
Establish a framework and boundaries for the relationship.
Be prepared with specific questions.
Seek out a variety of mentors.
Leverage your time with your mentor.
Come to meetings prepared with a plan of action and follow-up with next steps.
Be curious and open. Your mentor will present you with new perspectives and advice based on life experience, take advantage of it!
Be flexible. Renegotiate your mentorship when your personal or professional needs change.
Be in communication. It’s your role to be in proactive communication with your mentor about scheduling.
Cultivate the bond with your mentees.
Have institutional knowledge and expertise.
Identify the gaps in a mentee’s skillset.
Encourage and facilitate networking opportunities.
Commit to focused time. Be clear about your availability and avoid multi-tasking.
Set expectations and boundaries. Define the roles, expectations and goals for each of you.
Be a resource for information and skill building. Suggest appropriate skills training and opportunities for professional growth.
Be accountable and flexible. Hold your mentee accountable for their commitments to your shared goals.
Be open to renegotiating the relationship if personal or professional needs change.
Be curious and in communication. Serve as a confidant to your mentee by providing objective, appropriate and timely professional advice.
Meeting One
Establish a foundation and make a plan for future communications.
Meeting Two
Share updates, ask specific questions, and check in on the goals and foundations set in meeting one.
Meeting Three
Use this meeting as an opportunity for role reversal. What can the mentor learn from the mentee?
Meeting Four
Continue to check in and adjust meeting cadence or goals as needed.
Come with agenda and several pre-pared questions
Ask questions to understand the needs of your mentee
Be patient!
It will take some time to build a relationship with your mentor, and you don’t want to rush it. The best mentorships are ones that progress naturally.
Always set clear goals and expectations.
If you aren’t able to agree on meeting times and frequency, consider reaching out to additional mentors.
Be open to more than one mentor or mentee.
No one can be all things to all people, and you may have to rely on several different people for well-rounded advice!
Be persistent but respectful!
It’s a tough time for the industry right now, and you may need to follow up with your mentor or mentee a few times before you get a response.
For Mentees
I’m excited to share that I’m a mentee of [@mentorhandle] in the @beardfoundation
Mentorship presented by @KitchenAidUSA program! Learn more about why mentorship is
vital to professional development in the culinary industry, and learn more at
openforgood.com #openforgood
For Mentors
I’m excited to share that I’m a mentor of [@menteehandle] in the @beardfoundation
Mentorship presented by @KitchenAidUSA program! Learn more about why mentorship is
vital to professional development in the culinary industry, and learn more at
openforgood.com #openforgood
Questions?
If you have any questions regarding the James Beard Foundation Mentorship presented by KitchenAid, email mstorms@jamesbeard.org.