How to Be a Mentor

Being a mentor can be a rewarding experience on the job.

Whether you take part in a formal mentoring program through your company or just informally adopt a less experienced coworker, you can enhance your work experience and that of your protégé. "Many people feel that being a mentor requires special skills," says Dr. John V. Richardson Jr., associate dean of UCLA's Graduate Division, "but mentors are simply people who have the qualities of good role models."

Things You'll Need

• Time
• Ability to advise and guide
• patience

Instructions

1. Set ground rules. Even if the mentoring plan is unstructured, make sure both of you understand the limits in terms of time, contact and extent of personal involvement. However you approach your relationship, discuss and agree on things up front.

2. Clear some quality time. Becoming a mentor requires a regular meeting schedule with your protégé. This often means setting aside an hour or so each week to either meet with or talk to him. Take the initiative to be the one to do this, setting a good example by valuing your time with him.

3. Find common interests outside the office. Perhaps you both enjoy skiing on weekends or belong to book clubs. Take the time up front to bond over these activities, whether or not you chose to spend time doing the activity together.

4. Be available. A true mentoring relationship involves interruption to your normal work patterns. Be prepared for this. Sometimes, it may be impossible to step in with advice immediately, but return a phone call as soon as possible if she is having a problem and needs your help.

5. Be supportive. Even if your mentee makes major mistakes, help him to see the learning aspect of even bad situations. Share knowledge of job skills, rather than merely giving advice. Reinforce positive and constructive behavior.

References

• UCLA Graduate Division: What Makes a Good Mentor?
• MENTOR: Guidelines for Mentors