Mentoring

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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