Tips for a Successful Fellow-Wizard Relationship

Life is made up of meetings.

Some are casual, others planned and sought with determination. As an Aurora Fellow you will probably find yourself often in the latter case. But well, that’s not all.

After you find a mentor, an extraordinary Wizard, you will then have to build a lasting and valuable relationship with him.

Read carefully, here’s some tips and best practices for you.

1. Set goals as clear as your expectations

Having clear goals means having a clear path in mind and being able to imagine what to expect along the way. Think about what your goals are and what you hope to achieve from your relationship with the Wizard. Be clear about these goals and what you hope to achieve from your relationship with him.

The transparency between you two will make your time together much more productive. It will also make your progress and achievements measurable.

2. Be professional

A Wizard has a lot to teach the Fellow, but on one condition: even if young, you must always be professional. Not overly formal, but polite and respectful of others’ time and willingness to advise you.

Always arrive on time to your meetings. Be prompt in your answers. Be respectful of others’ private lives. Respect the communication channels agreed with the Wizard.

3. Always come prepared

Always study before the meeting. Everyone’s busy: you too, aren’t you? Of course a Wizard is busy too.

Prepare an agenda for the meeting, first decide what you want to talk about and what you want to get out of that meeting.

Prepare a list of questions to ask or specific feedback you want to get. The Wizard knows a lot, but very often you need specific knowledge from him. Be as specific as a surgeon when asking.

4. Accept honest feedback

This point could hurt. Because the truth often does.

We’re joking, but remember that honest feedback is better than an accommodating one.

It is part of the Wizard’ role to be completely honest with you so that you can improve quickly and constantly.

This also involves the possibility of receiving negative feedback. Be mature, listen carefully, learn to not take it personally.

We have all received and are still receiving negative feedback. Learn to turn negative feedback into positive action. So you will grow.

5. Receive value and give it back

For you to get the most out of your relationship with the Wizard, you need to make it beneficial to both of you. In other words: you are an opportunity for growth for your mentor, because the value of the Wizard also passes through the goals you achieve thanks to your progress.

Twisted? Let’s see if this is better: be like a great coach who gets important results thanks to the performances of his players.

Okay, the Wizard won’t win gold cups thanks to you, but any improvement you make will witness your positive journey together.

6. Be grateful

You enjoy receiving appreciation, right? In fact, everyone likes it. Even adults, even Wizards.

A relationship becomes stronger when you show enthusiasm for what you learn and for the knowledge being shared. Appreciating the efforts in meeting up strengthens relationships.

Be thankful to your Wizard and thank him for his time and for what you are learning.

A special relationship between Wizard and Fellow requires special, careful and constant effort on both sides. The Wizard selflessly helps each Fellow to learn and grow.

You, Fellow, must not forget the 6 tips mentioned here.

Text by Sebastiano Afeltra — Translation by Chiara Castelli