Strategies for Mentoring

An effective mentor provides a route to success.

Mentoring involves putting yourself into multiple roles to improve a younger person's life. Whether helping someone to cope with a difficult situation, survive school or achieve a personal goal, mentors serve the role of being caring, a friend and a confidant.

Don't Act as an Authority

As a mentor, it is not your role to take control or discipline. Take another approach and teach values and support the decisions that parents make by explaining an alternative point of view. Sometimes people do not see a certain point of view until they hear it from someone else, and that is where you come in.

Help with Goals

Help him achieve his goals by providing ways to achieve them. Outline what he can do differently, give ideas and be the voice of reason. It's important to develop a relationship with him so that he can trust you to give valuable advice to help him succeed.

Expose Them to New Things

Encourage positive behavior and experiences by exposing her to new things. Teach her to feel good about herself, discuss the value of education and how to be successful; also encourage positive decision-making. Consider helping her with a school project, setting a career outline or maintaining a healthy lifestyle; it all depends on what point she is at in her life.

Join a Mentoring Organization

Mentoring organizations will give you the in-depth tools, training and skills you need to be an effective communicator and mentor. You will be given several scenarios and you'll be exposed to different types of people who will allow you to learn how to deal with unique personalities and situations. Maximum exposure is the best way to improve or enhance your skills.

References

• Mentor: Being a Mentor