Mentoring is a relationship where a mentor, through support, counsel, friendship, reinforcement and constructive example, helps another person (usually a young person) reach his or her work and life
goals.
Mentoring is a relationship built on trust. It is not expensive, and the return on investment of a successful mentoring relationship can be profound and significant.
Good mentorship has become a core need for career success, not only because of the knowledge and skills students can learn from mentors, but also because mentoring provides professional socialization and personal support to facilitate success in graduate school and beyond.
Mentor pairings can be sought out through an established program or independently, and one-on-one meetings should take place on a consistent basis.
A mentor-mentee pairing requires work, commitment, and follow-through on both sides if it’s going to succeed.
So, what qualities should you look for in a mentor to make sure that the mentoring you are getting is effective and has lasting value?
1. Ability and willingness to communicate what you need in your area of expertise
Your mentor should be regarded as an expert in your field or area of responsibility.
He/she should also be able to clearly communicate the lessons you need to learn and the strategies or guidance they are offering
2. Inquisitiveness
Your mentor also means they should continue learning about what’s going on in your industry or business, your school, your community, or the world at large. We learn new things everyday and your mentor should be in a position to learn as well
3. Preparedness
Being a mentor means making an important, serious commitment to someone, so your mentor has to give you—and the process—the respect you deserve
4. Approachability, availability, and the ability to listen
Your mentor must feel comfortable being approached for advice or consultation.
You should also keep in consideration that your mentor is busy thus a schedule should be put in place; establish a set day and time for regular sessions or meetings.
5. Truth and honesty with diplomacy
One myth that mentees have is that their mentors should always side with them. Your mentor should be candid and straightforward with you
6. Objectivity and fairness
Also, your mentor is not your friend.
Outside of the mentor-mentee relationship, your mentor doesn’t owe you any favors, and he or she doesn’t owe you anything except his or her thanks.
Your mentor can be your advocate at certain times while still retaining their objectivity and fairness and not unfairly influencing any process either of you may be involved in.
7. Compassion and genuineness
Just because you must maintain your objectivity and fairness doesn’t mean you can’t show your compassion. In fact, your mentoring relationship probably won’t work if you don’t show your interest and desire to provide one-on-one help and guidance
