Phases of Mentoring Relationships

Mentoring relationships have a lifecycle that is characterized by four phases: preparing, negotiating, cultivating, and closing.^8,9 Click on the boxes in the figure for a brief explanation of what occurs in each phase.

Begin

Phase 1

Preparing

Self reflect and
determine fit

Phase 2

Negotiating

Set expectations, vision, goals, plan, timeline

Phase 3

Cultivating

Implement the plan, meet, compare, and evaluate progress with set goals and timeline

Phase 4

Closing

Conclude or begin again