Why be a Mentor Why be a Mentor

Why be a Mentor?

Why be a Mentor? 1. DESIRE TO “GIVE SOMETHING BACK” -Help another person avoid some “hard knocks” 2. HELP ANOTHER GROW MORE QUICKLY -Accelerate the learning process 3. WOMEN HELPING WOMEN 4. THE SATISIFACTION OF HAVING SOMETHING OF VALUE TO OFFER ANOTHER 5. OTHERS?

Attributes of a Good Mentoring Relationship DEFINED PARAMETERS OR BOUNDARIES • Knowing the limits of the interaction • Knowing what topics are “off limits” • Respect for the personal integrity of both parties: no forced agreement THE “DISTANCE” BETWEEN MENTOR AND PROTÉGÉ IS RECOGNIZED • Mentor does not know the world of the protégé • Protégé lives in a different time than the mentor OBJECTIVITY • Mentor only hears one side of the story • Can not advise, but can help protégé consider options AGREEMENT ON CLEAR OBJECTIVES FOR LEARNING • Focused learning…what do I want to learn, what to pay attention to

Attributes of a Good Mentoring Relationship PREDICTABILITY AND CONSISTENCY • Regular scheduled times for reflection CONFIDENTIALITY HONESTY • Protégé seeks to be honest to self • Mentor seeks to ask honest questions, even the hard ones

Attributes of a Good Mentoring Relationship TRUST • A person to whom I can safely express & explore my fears & doubts, dreams & hopes and consider options FEEDBACK METHODS • Find a way to discuss the results of actions taken by the protégé over the course of the relationship. Learning from experience. • Mentor progressively gains more information about the situation of the protégé, which enables better questions (not advice)

MENTORS SHOULD: SHOULD NOT: • Maintain objectivity • “Get involved. Take sides. Conspire” • Ask Questions • Advise • Help the protégé gain self-awareness and self control • “Re-live” the mentors experiences or live vicariously PROTÉGÉS SHOULD: • Seek objectivity • Look at all perspectives on issues • Accept responsibility for decisions • Focus on learning about oneself in the work environment SHOULD NOT: • Pressure the mentor to endorse my point of view • Shift the responsibility to the mentor • Seek advise on personal issues

Mentoring is NOT… • Psychological counseling • Clinical interventions • Counseling about best career fit based on knowledge, skills, abilities and interest • Relationship counseling • Family counseling

Mentoring is NOT A FRIENDSHIP… Although one could evolve, neither party should assume the privileges of friendship.