The Fundamentals of Mentoring

Trust
Listen
Encourage
Be Reliable
Have Fun

All healthy relationships are are built on trust. In order to develop a trusting relationship, complete the following tasks:

• Return all calls as soon as possible


• Maintain confidence-everything your mentee says must remain confidential


• Be involved, as much as possible, in the life of your mentee

Listen

• Be quick to listen, so to speak-demonstrate that you value their thoughts


• Use reflective listening-summarize what you've heard


• Use open-ended questions-What do you think?

Encourage

• Share your experience


• Help your mentee set realistic goals


• Stay positive-focus on what the mentee has accomplished

Be reliable

• Keep your commitments


• Be consistent-set realistic expectations


• Contact your mentee regularly

Have fun

• Have a sense of humor


• Experience new things with your mentee


• Take turns deciding activities-do things your mentee enjoys