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The purpose of my blog is to address the overall tone and nature of mentoring in the 21st century. Although this is part of an adult education class, it is my belief that mentoring is a key attribute of a successful educator (regardless of which level of academia they are supporting) and a successful adult.
I think that a couple beneficial qualities in a mentor is passion and commitment. Communication skills are also very helpful! In a corporate setting I did some formal mentoring. I sought out an individual that I saw had potential (and I needed some help on a project!) and asked if he would be interested in mentoring on a project. He was thrilled and was hired into a project position a year later! It worked out great for both of us!!
ReplyDeleteActive listening is a huge component of a good mentor. The mentee will benefit tremendously from active listening because the mentor will not be at the center of the dialogue; instead, the mentor places his or her biases and thoughts aside to really actively listen to what the mentee is saying, as well as what he or she may not be saying. If the mentor is capable of removing biases or judgements from the conversation, the mentee's growth can be the main focus, allowing the mentor to propose thoughtful questions for the mentee's own clarification and guidance.
ReplyDeleteHi Josh,
ReplyDeleteI think a good mentor needs to have their protégé’s best interests at heart. A mentor needs insight into the person's situation. Some knowledge, perspective, or experience the mentee doesn't have. And finally the mentor needs to be able to communicate that insight in an effective way.
In my own experience, a work mentor helps me to reflect on and consider things differently. I never just get "the answer." It's helped me to think in a broader sense, and to think about things I'd been missing. It helps to have the perspective of an impartial person to add to my own.
--Patrick
More perspectives available at...
http://edae692.blogspot.com/
I want to comment on Patrick's posting - I agree that the mentor should not just give the mentee the "answer" per se, but how do you convey the insights that the mentor identifies?
ReplyDeleteThe other piece is how to avoid being a parent to a younger person. As I get older and mentor my 20-somethings and teenagers, it's hard to not take that position.
I agree with all of the above postings regarding what a mentor needs to possess...everyone took the words right out of my mouth!
ReplyDeleteI've had the opportunity to work with a couple student teachers (when I was in the classroom) and also a new teacher last year. Not only did I need to be a model for them, but also be the resourse for information that they do not know they need to know. It takes a lot of time and patience, but the outcome is well worth it.
As far as what Patrick said about not always giving them the answer, that speaks directly to my cognitive coaching training. It's all about the other person and them coming to their own answers. It is often hard to do, but the other person gets so much more out of the conversations if they make their own meaning.