Stage #4 Performing

The performing stage can take up to a year to establish.  In this stage of the relationship, trust deepens and both the youth and mentor work together on solving common problems.  Both the mentor and youth have reached the point where they are comfortable and secure in their relationship.  Once the relationship has hit this stage, the encourager has earned the right to become a mentor. 

In the performing stage, the following behaviors are common:

• The focus of the relationship shifts from entertainment to real life.  You will see a noticable difference in the quality of conversations had with your mentee.  You will have more interaction that is directly tied to their everyday experiences.

• Trust & Respect Deepens.  You are both drawing on your experiences in the rough waters of the storming stage.  The difficult times you've worked through together have given you both the ability to move deeper into trusting one another.  As strong as this trust may feel, it is always going to be very easy to lose.  Remeber to remain committed and dont' slack off when you feel the relationship strengthening.

• The mentee will show signs of improvement in decision making.  The time you've been committing to with your mentee should start to show itself in your interactions.  You will start to see developed decision making skills in your mentee in addition to other improvements.  If you feel this development is delayed, contact Program Director Carolyn Greer to discuss the possible setbacks.

• The mentee will take more initiative in contacting you.  This development will show you the fruits of your committment to this relationship.  While emails or phone calls are prohibited, remember that C2E has strict policy regarding personal contact with a mentee outside the school day.  Any and all contact during the mentoring relationship off school grounds should be cleared with Mrs. Greer (program director) before the mentee is made aware of the possiblity. 

If you feel your mentee/mentor relationship is not progressing as you'd like please contact Carolyn Greer (Program Director) by CLICKING HERE or calling 501.730.0205.