Here are six tips for more effective mentoring.
1. Selection…it’s best to be asked
While some organizations have formal mentoring programs, most are informal, and some coincidental. You can let people know that you are available, but it’s best to be asked. It also helps to make sure that your skills and experience fit with the other person before accepting a request.
2. Diagnose before prescribing
Listening is the key required skill. Most people already know what they need or want. So taking time to listen and diagnose before making suggestions is helpful.
3. Avoid the words, “You should…”
Save these words for your spouse. A better alternative is to give an example of what someone else has done. Letting the other person come up with a solution and supporting it also works well.
4. Reinforce the positive
Despite the conventional wisdom that people learn from their mistakes, research indicates that they actually learn more from their successes. Catch them doing something well and let them know.
5. Don’t expect anything in return
Mentoring is not about you. While you may get something in return, it’s a poor expectation, and usually gets in the way. Alternatively, if it is about you, get a blog. It works for me.
6. Don’t expect your advice to be followed
Unless you are a seeing eye dog, don’t expect your direction to be taken.
7. Have fun
Please feel free to add to the list.
Lee Stocking
Prairie Sky Group
Making Sales Cry With Qualified Leads
lee.stocking@gmail.com
651-357-0110 (Cell 24×7)