Suggested Topics for Mentors and Their Mentees

Mentees: Use this list to help you think of questions for your mentor during your mentoring sessions. This is not meant to be a comprehensive list of topics that you work your way through during the mentoring year, just a resource of possible topics if you aren't sure what to ask. You don't know what you don't know, and that's okay!

If you come across additional topics you think should be added to this list, please email Eleanor Baker at eafrede2@ncsu.edu

• The County Extension Office
  • (If role as CED is due to a promotion) Transitioning from agent to CED - building and leading a team
  • Becoming familiar with the county Extension office’s protocol
  • Reviewing and understanding your employee's job descriptions
  • Setting individual expectations and goals for each member of your staff
  • Setting expectations and goals for your team
  • Ways to effectively supervise and motivate your team
  • Understanding your county budget, financial operations, etc.
  • Reviewing POA, ERS and EPAT data; how to use this information
  • Developing strategies for learning about different programmatic areas
  • Preparing for and conducting performance reviews, disciplinary actions, awards nominations, etc.
  • Effective communication both inside and outside your office
  • How to professionally and effectively handle conflict
  • Determining and measuring success for individuals and teams
  • How to demonstrate standards and rules of engagement related to work ethics, professionalism, customer service, attitude, etc.
  • Professionally managing a crisis
  • Work/Life balance
• North Carolina Cooperative Extension
  • The North Carolina Cooperative Extension Mission
  • Cultural norms for Extension and as a CED
• Working in and with your County
  • Meeting with key leaders in the county
  • Working with your county manager and other county departments
  • Understanding the county’s power structure
  • Understanding the POW and its relationship to your county’s plan
  • Identify and develop ways to meet with stakeholders
  • Working effectively with your Advisory Council
  • Strategies for networking, build relationships and collaboration
• Working with the Universities
  • Identifying university resources for CEDs
  • Learning the university systems as a CED