Mentor Code of Conduct
Effective Date: June 8, 2026
Our Commitment
Cleveland Business Mentors (CBM) is built on a foundation of trust—among our mentors, our mentees, and the broader business community. We are dedicated to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and collaborative environment where entrepreneurs and small business owners feel empowered to thrive.
Core Principles
Integrity & Transparency
- Act with Purpose: Always prioritize the best interests of the mentee and the community.
- Avoid Conflicts: Disclose and avoid any personal, professional, or financial conflicts of interest.
- Ethical Conduct: Maintain honesty and fairness in every interaction.
Confidentiality & Discretion
- Data Protection: Treat all mentee information as strictly private. Do not share financial, personal, or business data without explicit consent.
- Professional Discretion: When sharing "lessons learned" with colleagues, ensure all identities and sensitive details remain protected.
Respect & Inclusivity
- Professionalism: Treat every partner, mentor, and mentee with dignity.
- Value Diversity: Embrace varying backgrounds and perspectives to enrich the mentoring experience.
- Safe Spaces: Cultivate a judgment-free environment where all participants feel welcome.
Professional Boundaries
- Maintain Objectivity: Ensure the mentor-mentee relationship remains professional; avoid personal or financial entanglements that compromise your role.
- No Solicitation: Refrain from offering paid services or soliciting business from mentees.
Mentoring Excellence
Collaboration & Continuous Learning
- Mutual Growth: Approach mentoring as a partnership where both parties learn and evolve.
- Collective Knowledge: Share best practices with the CBM community and respect the diverse styles of fellow mentors.
- Technical Proficiency: Effectively utilize CBM tools, including Google Workspace, the CBM CRM, and the CBM Intranet.
- Engagement: Attend general meetings and professional development sessions to sharpen your mentoring skills.
Reliability & Accountability
- Dependability: Be punctual, prepared, and honor all commitments made to mentees and CBM.
- Communication: Provide timely notice to coordinators if you are unable to attend a scheduled session.
Constructive Communication
- Active Listening: Engage without judgment to fully understand the mentee’s needs.
- Actionable Feedback: Deliver guidance that is kind, specific, and designed for growth.
- Conflict Resolution: Address concerns promptly through the appropriate CBM channels.List Item
Mentor Responsibilities
- Uphold the Mission: Help businesses start, grow, and succeed.
- The L.I.S.T.E.N. Approach: Model our core methodology: Listen, Inquire, Share, Trust, Expectations, Note & Navigate.
- Empowerment: Support mentees in making their own decisions; guide their process without imposing your own will.
- Ethical Oversight: Report any behavioral or ethical concerns to CBM leadership immediately.
Mentee Rights
Every mentee at CBM has the right to:
- Respect & Professionalism: High-quality, unbiased, and confidential guidance.
- A Judgment-Free Experience: A safe environment tailored to their unique business journey.
- Autonomy: The right to conclude a mentoring relationship at any time if it is no longer a productive fit.
Acknowledgment
I have read, understood, and agree to abide by the Cleveland Business Mentors Code of Conduct.
Signature: _____________________________________________________________ Date: ________________________________