Your support network has been an invaluable asset. Granted, it’s changed as you’ve progressed through your career. You’ve leaned from different mentors and champions at various points in your professional growth process based on what direction you were heading in at that time. Throughout it all, you’ve understood that success takes a village. Now a colleague or friend has approached you for support. Before you take on the role of mentor, consider these points:
It’s flattering to be told someone else wants to learn from you. A good mentor/mentee relationship, however, is a two-way street. Ask yourself this: Do I believe in this person? Is this someone I am prepared to invest in (time, passion, and interest)?
If you agree to be someone’s mentor, stick with it. Before starting, ask yourself, “Am I prepared to be in this for the duration?”
Your mentee isn’t looking to clone your progress. What she needs is an experienced sounding board to help guide and coach her, not someone who will offer step-by-step instructions. To do this, you need to actively listen. Sometimes the process of just talking something through aloud will help your mentee reach the answer on her own.
Once you’ve really listened, start asking questions. Your goal as a mentor is to help your mentee develop her desired skills and resources. While there is a time to give advice, there’s also the right time to create a safe space for your mentee to uncover her own answer. Ask open-ended, thoughtful questions and then listen some more.
There will be appropriate times to offer feedback and advice. Just remember, you’re offering your experience and perspective. That doesn’t mean the right answer for your mentee is going to look the same as it did for you. Evaluate those differences fairly. Is this just a different, yet potentially equally successful approach, or is this a complete misstep? Then offer your feedback accordingly.
You didn’t land in this place without your share of trials and missteps. You made mistakes. You took a detour or two. You learned and you grew. Be honest about your path. As much as your mentee can learn from your successes, she can also learn from your mistakes.
When your mentee hits a milestone, or lands a win, celebrate it! Every good coach is also a terrific cheerleader.
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