What Makes a Good Mentor?

Good mentors usually enjoy sharing their experiences with others. They have a wealth of knowledge and experience in their profession, and they take a personal interest in helping others succeed. They also know that mentoring is about developing people, not fixing them.

According to Catalyst's "Mentoring-A Guide to Corporate Programs and Practices," a good mentor wears several hats:

  • A sponsor or champion helps increase exposure of the mentee.
  • Teacher helps solve work-related problems or creates learning opportunities.
  • Coach advises mentees on how to accomplish their goals.
  • Protector provides a safe environment in which the mentee can make mistakes without losing credibility.
  • Counselor enhances the mentee's self-esteem through supportive, nonjudgmental discussions.
  • Role model walks the talk and demonstrates the behaviors necessary for success.
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