To Mentor or Not To Mentor? Louise Francis, BS RT(T), CMD DOS 721 Education in Medical Dosimetry Spring Semester 2012

 A wise and trusted counselor or teacher  An influential senior sponsor or supporter  Mentors make efforts to challenge and develop mentees to think and do for themselves and grow in their capabilities.¹ What is a Mentor?

 Parents  Teachers  Coaches  What do these people have in common?  Do you have what it takes? Our First Mentors

 Desire to be a mentor/ Mentor training  Careful paring  Willing to designate time to spend with mentee  Committed to developing a relationship with mentee  Encourage, Challenge, Affirm and Counsel  Expect excellence, but not perfection  Create an environment comfort safety and trust Characteristics of Effective Mentors

 Not designating time for or avoiding mentee  Not leading by example  Unable to adapt mentoring style  Not asking enough questions of mentees  Not challenging mentee on appropriate levels  Not exposing mentee to networking circles  Not knowing when mentor and mentee need to part Characteristics of Ineffective Mentors

 Attend a formal training program  Advertise your interest in becoming a mentor  Seek out individuals that exhibit potential  Seek out individuals that often ask for your advice How to Become a Mentor

 Always be on time  Understand that your feedback is important  Realize that you are not expected to be perfect  Don’t take criticism personally  It’s okay to disagree or say “I don’t get it” Mentee Expectations

 Provides an opportunity to give back  Passing on knowledge and skills that are important  Learn something new  Increase your network  The joy of learning Benefits for the Mentor

 Creation of a safety zone  Constructive feedback without cruelty  Exposure to professionalism  Confidence in abilities  Being able to exceed the expectations of employers  Establish a network Benefits for the Mentee

 Mentors or mentees are not well paired  Time constraints  Eventual disinterest  Mentees have developed interests beyond their mentors area of expertise When to say “Goodbye”

 Mentors are always needed  Helps to shape the future of a given profession  Assist in establishing a program  Remember: Mentoring is more than a fad. It is a well-researched helping relationship. Mentored individuals are also more likely to mentor others.² In Closing…..

1. Broustein M. Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies. New York, NY: Wiley; 2000: Johnson W, Ridley C. The Elements of Mentoring. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillian; 2004:xv. References