Guiding Through the Unwritten Rules

Every organization has its own set of Do’s and Don’t’s which get handed down from person to person. Examples include: organizations to join, activities to participate in, things to avoid, etc. A mentor can be very helpful in guiding his/her advisee navigating these unwritten rules. Here’s how:

1. When you first meet with your advisee, share with him/her these unwritten rules. Describe these as good things to do, but resist overstating their importance. You don’t want to turn off your advisee to them.
2. Should your advisee have an interest in any of these, help facilitate the initial contact.
3. Also help your advisee know how to make the best use of these opportunities (e.g. who to get to know, positions to volunteer for, etc.)

Be careful to serve only as a facilitator for these. Don’t push these too hard.