Another Handful of Tips 79 – Good Mentoring

Five of the best tips to help you be a successful mentor

Mentoring is a learning and development partnership between a trusted and experienced person and someone who wants to learn.

It is time-consuming but can be satisfying for both parties.

It is a good way to train a replacement, or a satisfying job for a retired worker.

1. Mentors must be keen to share their experiences and encourage others

Mentoring basically is about sharing experiences, and helping mentees build their confidence, and encouraging them to be successful.

The objective should be to encourage mentees so they are prepared to take on more responsible jobs.
They should be challenged to take on new roles and to take a few risks.

2. Gain mutual trust

At the start mentor and mentee must be compatible and realise both have to contribute. Chat and establish interests and ambitions and build a rapport.

Both parties must agree to be honest and objective with their comments.

Discuss the role, the rules and the times of the meetings. Arrange a quiet, private place to meet.

3. Set an agenda

Plan the topics to be discussed.

Share not only work experience but personal counselling and office politics. Housing, travelling and family affairs can influence work activities, so these should be discussed openly. It is essential to keep discussions between parties confidential.

4. Mentoring is a two-way activity

A mentor must be a good questioner and a good listener. The mentor teaches more practical skills based on many years of work experiences. Mentors must be prepared to listen and learn as well as giving advice and counselling.

The mentee can contribute to the discussions by giving modern views and their interpretations of work activities. They can share their thoughts on future developments and recent technology.

5. Be a good example

To be credible a successful mentor must set high standards at all times.

Geoffrey Moss
mossassociates.co.nz

“If you cannot see where you are heading, ask someone who has been there.”

SOURCE: “Training Secrets” Moss Associates Ltd., New Zealand and Cengage Learning Asia. Also available as an e-book from Amazon.com.