Choosing a mentor is an important decision. As a senior leader, you want to know the approach suits you, the conversation feels valuable and the person you work with understands the realities of your role. It is natural to ask whether you can test mentoring before committing to a longer programme.
The answer is yes. A trial session is often the most effective way to decide if mentoring is the right fit for you.
Why a trial session matters
Mentoring is personal. Chemistry, trust and clarity matter. You should feel comfortable, heard and able to think freely. A trial session allows you to experience that environment rather than guess what it might be like.
This is not about selling. It is about choosing the right partner for your development and the business.
What to expect in a first session
A trial mentoring session is not an introduction call with pleasantries and presentation slides. It is a working session. You bring a real challenge or opportunity, and we explore it together. You should leave with insight, clarity and a sense of how mentoring supports you in practice.
Expect to experience
• Clear listening and thoughtful questions
• Challenge in a respectful and constructive way
• Time to think, not rush
• Focus on real goals and decisions
• Practical steps for the immediate term
You should feel the benefit, not be told about it.
How quickly value becomes visible
Most senior leaders feel value within the first session because mentoring gives space to think clearly and explore decisions without pressure or noise. The shift is often immediate. You leave more focused, more settled and clearer on what matters next.
Early clarity builds confidence in the process.
What to look for when assessing fit
During the trial session pay attention to
• Whether you feel understood
• The quality of the questions
• The level of challenge and support
• The comfort you feel expressing uncertainty
• The structure and flow of the conversation
• Whether you leave with insight and direction
You are looking for a space where you can bring the full weight of your role without judgement or hesitation.
No pressure to commit
A trial session is there to help you decide freely. There is no pressure to commit. You should feel able to walk away if you do not feel the alignment. A strong mentoring relationship is always mutual. Both sides need to feel it is the right partnership.
What questions to bring into the trial
You may wish to ask yourself before or after the session
• Do I feel more confident and clear than when I arrived
• Did the conversation help me think better
• Was I stretched in a constructive way
• Did the mentor understand the complexity of my role
• Can I see myself progressing with this level of thinking support
These questions help you evaluate without emotion or guesswork.
Final thought
You would not bring someone into your leadership circle without meeting them first. The same applies to mentoring. A trial session gives you clarity, confidence and a clear understanding of how the relationship will work.