Philosophy of Mentorship

What does mentorship mean to you? Watch TED Talk: https://www.ted.com/talks/atul_gawande_want_to_get_great_at_something_get_a_coach#t-987779

Mentorship is a process where you help someone develop In a formal mentorship, you set goals “External eyes and ears helping build you up” Mentorship is a form of coaching One of the greatest values of mentors is the ability to see ahead what others cannot see and to help them navigate a course to their destination.” — John C. Maxwell

Key Mentor Skills Listening Actively Building Trust Determining Goals and Building Capacity Encouraging & Inspiring

Why Philosophy? Mentorship (Partnership) is individual! No set steps or rules for success Changes with relationship and time Must know your partner People change with experience; relationship changes with shared experience Create space for these conversations Utilize Philosophy of Mentorship Worksheet Establish mutual expectations High expectation is crucial – people rise to it! OK to push, but must be for a mutual purpose (clear understanding of goals)

Where are you today? Meet each other where you’re at – can change day to day Look for complimentary skill sets Understanding starts with conversation, grows with experience Skill sets (tools) should be identified and ‘mined’ for efficiency

Cornerstones Consistency and Reliability – build trust and understanding Must demonstrate ability (on both sides) to work toward shared goals Boundaries – create spaces where both parties are comfortable and safe Know shared values, what is important to partner, what support is needed vs not necessary These are key components of the partnership, and largely built on openly sharing expectations.

Mentor/Mentee Partnership Equality in relationship – Trust – Open – Honest – Direct Not “helping this athlete” but “working with *name* on our goals” Opportunity to share common purpose equally and with mutual excitement

Focused and flexible! Common focus and purpose, but flexibility is important We are all human! Plan for as much as possible, but know life never works that way Continued communication without assumption, and space to grow and share – accommodate change with experience Guiding principle – “What is our purpose and goal(s)?”

Use the worksheet with your mentor/mentee Take action and MEET GOALs Next steps Use the worksheet with your mentor/mentee Take action and MEET GOALs Change the World! ! “A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself.”