Leadership Tip of the Day for Busy Managers: How to Mentor Someone
Someone has asked you to be their mentor. First, you schedule a meeting. Then what? This week the Wily Manager guys discuss how to mentor someone. If you have never had a mentor yourself, this is required reading.
Monday’s Tip (How To Mentor Someone): Say no if you’re not committed. Being a Mentor will take time and energy. If you are not sure if you can commit the effort, you should decline the invitation.
Tuesday’s Tip (How To Mentor Someone): Be a Role Model. Your actions always speak louder than your words, and as a mentor, you’ll be watched closely.
Wednesday’s Tip (How To Mentor Someone): Be an amazingly great listener. The ability to listen empathetically is a core requirement to be a mentor. The better your listening skills, the more effective a mentor you’ll be.
Thursday’s Tip (How To Mentor Someone): Don’t pull punches – tell ‘em what they might not want to hear. It’s difficult to tell people things they do not want to hear, but is definitely the most important function of being a mentor.
Friday’s Tip (How To Mentor Someone): Put some structure into the relationship – a mentorship agreement. A mentorship agreement will specify roles and responsibilities of both parties. This tiny bit of structure will make any mentoring relationship even better.
Three Things to Remember About How To Mentor Someone:
1) Don’t bother if you aren’t committed. A mentoring relationship takes some time and energy. If you are not willing to make that investment, you should decide early on NOT to do so.
2) It’s about accelerating development. Mentoring relationships are intended to advance the career of the mentee, and skill building. If you are uncomfortable in such a role, you shouldn’t volunteer.
3) Use a mentoring agreement. A bit of structure can advance the relationship significantly.
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