Mentoring… A process that helps us to develop, maintain a teachable attitude and take a “new” look at what you are doing on a daily basis.
When I think of mentoring, my mind immediately thinks of two words – why and how.
I connect mentoring with these two little words because of many teachable moments. My 3 year old granddaughter is in the “why” stage. She will ask a question, I give an answer…and then the “why’s” begin. I can choose to answer each “why” with a logical answer or stop the conversation with the word….”because.”
There is something about that “because” word that ends the conversation.
Just like my experience with a 3 year old, a Mentor we can lose effectiveness and end conversations when we give a “because” response. The more they ask (and get a response), the more they learn, the quicker our mentee’s will grasp the knowledge that we are trying to help them reach.
So, as long as our mentee’s are asking questions…*bring them on.
The “how” is also very important to explain. Sometimes the “how” is answered in step-by-step directions, and at other times it can be a one word answer. The significance is that it deserves a response. If a mentee has the nerve to ask their mentor “how” to perform a certain task, then, as a mentor, you need to have the tools to lead them in the right direction.
I firmly believe that the mentoring process – sometimes as a mentor and sometimes as a mentee – can have a profound impact on a person’s personal and professional life. We just have to take the time to answer the “why’s” and the “how’s” …and enjoy those teachable moments!!
No matter what the profession – you need to embrace the mentor inside you.
Author: Christine Dill, Firm Administrator