How to Become an Effective Mentor

Successful Strategies for Mentoring Relationships

Apr 6, 2009 Alicia Michelle Morgan

Mentoring is a wonderful opportunity for an individual to give back in providing the wisdom and guidance that has lead to his or her personal success.

A mentor provides jewels of wisdom but most importantly a listening ear in the critical moments of a mentee’s character development. A mentoring relationship appears easy to establish on the surface.

However, building trust and establishing an open relationship between a mentor and mentee is an extraordinary undertaking that takes some time to develop. A mentor should not take for granted that his or her personal experiences alone will impress the mentee so much that no further time or personal commitment has to take place. The assignment of a mentor to a mentee is only the beginning of a relationship that must grow through dedication, commitment and open minds.

Research Organizations

There are several nonprofit organizations that provide opportunities to mentor individuals from various backgrounds and walks of life. Create a list of geographical preferences as a mentor, in addition to potential organizations of interest. Fill out and apply for the position as a mentor. Be prepared for a background check and to pay the appropriate fees for it to be completed if it is the particular organizations’ policy.

Establishing the ABC’s of Mentoring

  1. Keep an open mind- Even a person that has been a great mentor over the years should treat each opportunity to mentor as new undertaking. No two people or the same and neither are all mentoring relationships.
  2. Discuss the expectations between mentor and mentee- If this is not done at the first meeting or sometime quickly after the relationship between mentor and mentee may not become as productive and successful as both parties would like it to be. The number one cause for disappointment is usually a lack of communication in the area of the expectations of the relationship.
  3. Set goals for personal improvement for both the mentor and mentee. This provides an opportunity for both the mentor and mentee to establish personal accountability for one another. A mentee respects a mentor who will also listen to what he or she has to say even it involves telling a mentor areas in which he or she can also improve.
  4. Show appreciation and respect for one another- Respect is earned and not guaranteed. A great way for a mentor and mentee to acknowledge each other’s impact is to constantly show appreciation for one another.
  5. Have fun together- All work and no play makes a relationship seem dull and unfriendly to the idea of spontaneity. Set time aside to just have fun and relax in the mentoring relationship. Recognize that when people are most comfortable a willingness to open up to each other manifests itself.

Overall, mentoring is rewarding once both the mentor and mentee understands how to treat the mentoring relationship as an opportunity to grow with one another.

For further information on mentoring

The copyright of the article How to Become an Effective Mentor in Training/Professional Development is owned by Alicia Michelle Morgan. Permission to republish How to Become an Effective Mentor in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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Apr 6, 2009 9:37 AM
Guest :
Being able to connect with children and communicate effectively can be a challenge. Kids intuitively know about good and bad behavior and talking together draws it out and gives you a chance to help them form better ideas and reinforce good behavior. Having ideas in an organized form gives you suggestions and help on how to figure out what topics to explore with your kids. There is a guide that was designed with mentors in mind called The Million Dollar Machine Life Skills Enrichment that I use. You can find it on www.lifeskills4kids.com
Apr 26, 2009 4:56 PM
Guest :
Great article. It seems that you have had experience from both sides of the mentor/mentee relationship. Very insightful.
Apr 27, 2009 11:25 AM
Guest :
I think that becoming a effective mentor helps almost everybody espically the ones that need it.
3 Comments