Page 19 - Microhub - Guide for mentoring

PRINCIPLES FOR

SUCCESSFUL MENTORING

Ø Listen and learn. Mutual benefit and honesty can only be

achieved when both members feel their viewpoints are heard

and respected. Mentors, especially, need to remember that the

relationship is not primarily about them. Co-mentors should

not be intimidated or made to feel their views are not valued.

Ø Build a working partnership. Consider structuring a

working partnership that includes project consultation or

active collaborations rooted in the common ground of shared

professional goals. These collaborations can lead to

discoveries about each participant's preferred working style,

daily obligations, and professional aspirations.

Ø Lead by example. Actions create the most lasting

impression.

Ø Be flexible. It might help for a mentoring relationship to

have defined goals, but the process may be as important—or

more so—than the goals.

Ø Accountability - The mentor and the mentee should be

accountable for their actions and commitments. The mentor

should hold the mentee accountable for following through on

their and goals, while the mentee should hold the mentor

accountable for providing the guidance and support they need.

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