Think back to a fantastic mentor you’ve had—whether they were your boss, a colleague, friend, coach, or teacher. Have you ever thought about being that person for someone else? Or maybe there’s someone right now who looks up to you more than you realize!
What is a Mentor?
A mentor is a trusted advisor who guides someone through their journey. They encourage people to take charge of their own learning to unlock their full potential, build skills, and become the person they aspire to be. Unlike a coach, who focuses on specific skills and goals and leads the meetings, a mentor is more of a supportive guide, with the mentee initiating the meetings.
Tips for Being an Awesome Mentor
1) Know What You Want Out of the Relationship
If you’re gearing up to be a mentor, start by asking yourself a few key questions:
- What areas can you sharpen your expertise in?
- Are there things you can learn from them as well?
- How does mentoring help you grow as a leader both personally and professionally?
Understanding these will help you set clear goals and craft a solid plan for your mentorship.
2) Set Expectations Together
Once you know what you want from the relationship, the next step is to set expectations. Every mentoring relationship is unique, so consider:
- Will there be a time limit on the mentorship?
- How often should you meet, and what’s the purpose?
- What resources can you suggest for them to start working on?
- How involved should you be?
Getting these details sorted at the start will help both of you in the long run.
3) Build Trust
To create an environment where your mentee feels comfortable sharing their challenges, you need to build trust. They should feel they can be themselves without second-guessing what you want from them.
4) Don’t Assume
Dig deeper by asking thoughtful questions. Your role is to help them move forward, and the questions you ask can greatly impact their growth.
5) Share Your Journey
Being open about your own mistakes and failures; this is one of the best gifts you can give. It provides valuable problem-solving information, builds trust and strengthens the relationship.
6) Celebrate Their Achievements
Highlight your mentee’s successes, not matter how small they may seem to them. This boosts their confidence and keeps them motivated. Everyone likes a little recognition!
7) Seek Out Resources
Guide your mentee to workshops, resources, and other opportunities for growth. Pointing them in the right direction can be incredibly helpful.
8) Be Honest About Your Capacity
Be upfront about how much time and expertise you can offer. Managing your workload without overextending yourself is crucial. If you feel overwhelmed by the relationship, it’s better to communicate your limits rather than stretch yourself too thin.
Mentoring takes practice and patience. As you help someone else grow, you’ll find that you’re growing too!
Created by Nancy Movrin DTM, Immediate Past District Director Manager, District 86 2024-2025, Cambridge Toastmasters