There are all types of mentors needed in the business world and in our schools. While some of the responsibilities of a mentor will change depending upon who is being mentored and for what purpose, there are basic characteristics for how to be a memorable mentor that apply to any situation.
The first step to becoming a successful mentor involves commitment. You must make a commitment for a specific period of time before agreeing to any relationship or volunteer program. Usually, this means setting a regular time schedule with the mentee and making sure that both of you adhere to it. Sometimes this can be a more casual arrangement during working hours for on-the-job mentoring, or it can be an appointment made at a school for once-a-week visits.
For any mentoring relationship to work, the following are necessary characteristics to make the experience memorable. Check out these tips from 3 Birds Auto:
- Compassion – Your mentee may live in a world much different than your own. The best teachers are naturally compassionate individuals.
- Communication – Every mentor should have good communication skills. If you have trouble verbally communicating with others, you may not be able to communicate to a mentee who may also need help in expressing themselves.
- Confidence – Be confident and self-assured when interacting with your mentee in order to set the proper boundaries for your relationship.
- Flexibility – Your time may not be as flexible as your attitude. When a conflict occurs with your mentee, take a step back and figure out how you can be more flexible and solve the problem.
- Generosity – A memorable mentor must be generous and willing to share their skills, experience, and expertise.
- Personal Investment – Becoming a memorable mentor requires personal investment. Whether your mentorship is like a friendship where your time is all that is required, or if your mentee needs a teacher to reach specific goals, you must invest yourself in the success of this unique relationship.
- Knowledge – A mentor must familiarize themselves with the specific guidelines of the mentorship.
- Learning – A good teacher is willing to learn as well as teach.
- Listening – A wise mentor understands the power of speaking less and listening more.
- Patience – Expect problems to arise and understand that without unlimited patience, you cannot be an effective mentor. Your mentee will think differently than you do. It is up to you to be a patient guide to aid their progress.
- Positive Spirit– A memorable mentor is enthusiastic and encouraging no matter the problem and is creative in finding solutions. A positive attitude can be contagious.
- Support – Be willing to volunteer more time for a special event outside of your regular schedule when your mentee needs additional support.
There are few volunteer relationships that offer more satisfying results than a successful mentorship. When it is successful, it’s a satisfying win-win situation for both the teacher and the pupil.
