# Mentoring Guide

> Structure effective PM mentoring relationships — setting goals, choosing discussion formats, giving actionable feedback, and tracking growth over time.

- Skill: `nandanosql/mentoring-guide` (Agent Skill)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add nandanosql/mentoring-guide`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/nandanosql/mentoring-guide/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Marketing & Growth
- Author: nandanosql (https://skillmd.com/u/nandanosql)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/nandanosql/mentoring-guide

---


## Purpose

Structure effective PM mentoring relationships with clear goals, regular cadence, actionable feedback, and growth tracking. Whether you're mentoring or being mentored.

---

## Application

### Mentoring Kickoff Template

```markdown
# Mentoring Plan

## Relationship
- **Mentor:** [Name, role, experience]
- **Mentee:** [Name, role, experience]
- **Cadence:** [Biweekly / Monthly]
- **Duration:** [3 months / 6 months / ongoing]

## Mentee Goals (Choose 2-3)
1. [Specific skill to develop — e.g., "Improve stakeholder communication"]
2. [Specific challenge to navigate — e.g., "First product launch"]
3. [Career goal — e.g., "Get promoted to Senior PM"]

## Discussion Format Options
| Format | When to Use |
|--------|------------|
| **Problem workshop** | Mentee brings a current challenge |
| **Skill building** | Practice a specific PM skill |
| **Career strategy** | Long-term planning and positioning |
| **Shadow + debrief** | Observe mentor in action, discuss |
| **Reverse mentoring** | Mentor learns from mentee's perspective |

## Session Template
1. **Check-in (5 min):** How are things going? What's top of mind?
2. **Topic (20 min):** [Pre-agreed topic or current challenge]
3. **Action items (5 min):** What will you do before next session?
4. **Feedback (2 min):** Was this session useful? What to adjust?

## Growth Tracking
| Month | Goal | Progress | Next Step |
|-------|------|----------|-----------|
| [Month 1] | [Goal] | [Assessment] | [Action] |
```

---

## Quality Rubric

| Dimension | 0 | 1 | 2 |
|-----------|---|---|---|
| **Goals** | No goals | Vague goals | Specific, measurable, time-bound |
| **Structure** | Ad hoc chats | Regular cadence | Cadence + format + prep |
| **Feedback** | None given | Occasional | Regular, specific, actionable |
| **Growth** | Not tracked | Informal | Documented with milestones |

---

## References

### Related Skills
- `skills/leadership/pm-career-ladder/SKILL.md` — Level expectations
- `skills/leadership/influence-without-authority/SKILL.md` — Common mentoring topic
- `skills/communication/executive-presentation/SKILL.md` — Skill to practice

---

**Skill type:** Component
**Domain:** Leadership & Career