Code of Conduct for Mentors & Mentees
The Code of Conduct revolves around three key principles:
- Give first.
- Act with integrity.
- Treat others with respect.
- We deliberately create a virtuous cycle. We proactively work to give back to the ecosystem by giving first to others in our community with no specific expectations of return.
- We appreciate the help of others. No one goes it alone. We express our appreciation for the help of our customers, mentors, and others that makes our success possible.
- We are honest and transparent. If we say something either publicly or privately, then we believe that it is true. We do not intentionally omit important and relevant factual information in an effort to deceive others. We strive to be clear and transparent in our communications.
- We disclose known conflicts of interest early. We err on the side of too much disclosure.
- We act with integrity in our dealings with others.
- We respect confidentiality.
- We always communicate professionally and appropriately.
- We do not tolerate illegal discrimination or harassment in any form.
- We are committed to diversity and inclusion.
- We keep our promises. If we commit to do something, we do our best to do it. If we cannot keep our promises for some reason, then we strive to make it right in any way possible.
- We work for the benefit of those we are helping, not for our own personal benefit.
- Energize Colorado Mentoring Services are offered at no cost to the Mentee. The Mentor is volunteering their time and expertise to help the Mentees. Mentors are not allowed to solicit, accept, or appear to solicit/accept any gift, loan, reward, promise of future employment, favor, or service.
- If the Mentor and Mentee have completed their Mentoring engagement enabled through Energize Colorado, and want to establish a business relationship moving forward, then that decision is between them and does not involve Energize Colorado.
Mentor Commitment
By agreeing to the mentoring process, the Mentor agrees to:
- Abide by the Code of Conduct.
- Approach the Mentee as a “friend” and adviser rather than teacher. Help the Mentee understand the role of a Mentor. Mentoring is a process and takes work and commitment from both parties. There are no magic solutions or silver bullets.
- Actively listen to the Mentee. Mutually agree on scope, commitments, and expectations for the engagements. The engagement is about the Mentee and their issue.
- Be consistent and dependable. Keep commitments.
- Be sensitive to the Mentees time constraints. Keep appointments and commitments to them.
Mentee Commitment
By agreeing to be involved in the mentoring process the Mentee agrees:
- Abide by the Code of Conduct.
- Take the initiative and responsibility to work with the Mentor.
- Articulate clear and specific goals for the engagement and communicate them to their Mentor.
- Suggest ways their Mentor can help but be willing to accept what the Mentor is able and willing to offer.
- Be willing to embrace new ideas, to learn and try new things.
- Be sensitive to the Mentor’s time constraints; keep appointments with and commitments to their Mentor.
- Commit to self-development and invest time and effort to increase their knowledge and competence.
- Accept feedback graciously and make efforts to implement changes that will help achieve goals. It is not personal. Together, you are trying to solve a problem.
- Be willing to take risks, balanced with sensitivity to the values and culture of everyone involved.
- Balance enthusiasm and self-confidence with humility – be willing to make mistakes and learn from them.
- Avoid being overly dependent on the Mentor. Seek guidance from other sources as well.
- Do not seek perfection. The Mentor should be viewed as a colleague.
- Ask for advice rather than ask for help and allow Mentors to volunteer assistance and guidance.
- Communicate problems or issues clearly, directly, and on a timely basis. Be honest and candid with the Mentor.