The Mentor

One of the hallmark characteristics of a good mentor is that they are trustworthy and reliable within the domain of the established relationship. Mentors keep your trust and build respect on an ongoing basis through their actions.  In addition, a good mentor:

• Is usually a person more experienced in the particular area, field, or system than the mentee.
• Openly shares their knowledge and insight:
• To facilitate learning complex academic expectations, skills, and capabilities (academic development);
• To facilitate goal setting and decision making which advances the mentee’s career and professional standing (career/professional development);
• To facilitate understanding of or inculcate with the environmental norms, rules, and attitudes of the department, faculty, campus, or profession that in turn promotes adjustment into the particular community.
• Actively and willingly engages in a mentoring process that focuses on the development of the mentee, but also respects their own needs and boundaries.
• Establishes a foundation to build trust and mutual respect.
• Respects and honours confidentiality within the relationship.
• Is usually a skilful communicator who:
• Actively listens.
• Probes and asks the mentee relevant questions to enhance understanding of the mentee’s needs.
• Uses constructive methods of inquiry and critique, and provides non-judgemental, concise feedback.
• Is honest with their mentee.