What makes a good mentor?
If you are interested in becoming a mentor, check yourself against this list:- First and foremost, are you interested in helping others to succeed - even if they may surpass you in achievement?
- Are you reliable, honest, and trustworthy to keep things confidential?
- Are you capable of active listening - not interrupting, picking up important cues from what someone says, able to reflect back the relevant issues and check understanding, minimising assumptions and prejudices?
- Are you empathetic - can you convey understanding of their experience without saying ‘yes me too’ and launching into anecdotes of your own?
- Are you able to question someone sensitively but empoweringly to help them explore their own issues?
- Can you pass on your knowledge and expertise clearly, encouragingly and helpfully?