Mentoring

Thoughts on Mentoring

What is a mentor?

Mentor (from Oxford English Dictionary) Simple uses.

• 1. a. Originally (in form Mentor): a person who acts as guide and adviser to another person, esp. one who is younger and less experienced. Later, more generally: a person who offers support and guidance to another; an experienced and trusted counsellor or friend; a patron, a sponsor.
• b. orig. and chiefly U.S. spec. An experienced person in a company, college, etc., who trains and counsels new employees or students.

• 2. Something which fulfils the role of an adviser or guide (often personified).

Being a Mentor and Being Mentored

• Am I ready to be a mentor?
  • Do you have wisdom that you can impart on others?
  • Do you have the desire to help people less experienced in certain areas than your self?

• When do I get to the point that I no longer need a mentor?
  • Never. There will always be people who can help guide you

• What do I need to convey?
  • Caring, thoughtfulness, respect, empathy, experience, humility

Thoughts on Being An Effective Mentor

• Don’t over estimate or under estimate your knowledge
• Connect to the person - being willing to share your mistakes
• Treat people with respect
• Understand that it is not your responsibility to solve people’s problem, but rather to help them solve their problems
• Empathize, but stay objective and keep some distance
• Try to keep the persons long term interests in mind. - Sometimes the easy path (most straightforward advice) is not the best advice
• Be aware of privacy issues - Listen, but take care not to pry into personal matters unless you know the person very well--even then proceed carefully