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Graphic showing the phases of a mentoring relationship: Prepare, Launch, Maintain, Conclude.

This graphic shows the phases of a mentoring relationship. In the first phase, Prepare, you should know yourself (strengths, goals, values), and understand your mentoring needs. The second phase, Launch, is when you should formally establish goals, milestones, mutual responsibilities, and expectations. The third phase, Maintain, is when you should make progress towards and periodically reassess goals, milestones, and expectations and also focus on communication (feedback, advocacy). The fourth phase, Conclude, is when you agree on defined end points, manage transitions, and reevaluate your mentoring needs and network.