What Makes A Good Mentor*
Many people feel that being a Mentor requires special skills, but Mentors are simply people who have the qualities of good role models.
Mentors Listen: They maintain eye contact and give Mentees their full attention.
Mentors Guide: Mentors are there to help their Mentees find life direction, never to push them.
Mentors are Practical: They give insights about keeping on task and setting goals and priorities.
Mentors Educate: Mentors educate about life and their own careers.
Mentors Provide Insight: Mentors use their personal experiences to help their Mentees avoid mistakes and learn from good decisions.
Mentors are Accessible: Mentors are available as a resource and a sounding board.
Mentors Criticize Constructively: When necessary, Mentors point out areas that need improvement, always focusing on the Mentees' behavior, never his/her character.
Mentors are Supportive: No matter how painful the Mentee's experience, Mentors continue to encourage them to learn and improve.
Mentors are Specific: Mentors give specific advice on what was done well or could be corrected, what was achieved, and the benefits of various actions.
Mentors Care: Mentors care about their Mentees' progress in school and career planning, as well as their personal development.
Mentors Succeed: Mentors not only are successful themselves, but they also foster success in others.
Mentors are Admirable: Mentors are usually well-respected in their organizations and in the community.
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*Courtesy of The Connecticut Mentoring Partnership and the Business and Legal Reports, Inc.---Best Practices in HR, Issue 653, September 30, 1999.
Mentors Guide: Mentors are there to help their Mentees find life direction, never to push them.
Mentors are Practical: They give insights about keeping on task and setting goals and priorities.
Mentors Educate: Mentors educate about life and their own careers.
Mentors Provide Insight: Mentors use their personal experiences to help their Mentees avoid mistakes and learn from good decisions.
Mentors are Accessible: Mentors are available as a resource and a sounding board.
Mentors Criticize Constructively: When necessary, Mentors point out areas that need improvement, always focusing on the Mentees' behavior, never his/her character.
Mentors are Supportive: No matter how painful the Mentee's experience, Mentors continue to encourage them to learn and improve.
Mentors are Specific: Mentors give specific advice on what was done well or could be corrected, what was achieved, and the benefits of various actions.
Mentors Care: Mentors care about their Mentees' progress in school and career planning, as well as their personal development.
Mentors Succeed: Mentors not only are successful themselves, but they also foster success in others.
Mentors are Admirable: Mentors are usually well-respected in their organizations and in the community.
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*Courtesy of The Connecticut Mentoring Partnership and the Business and Legal Reports, Inc.---Best Practices in HR, Issue 653, September 30, 1999.