Mentoring Patricia Rankin Supported by SBE

Mentors Matter Everyone needs at least one mentor The less you think you need a mentor the more valuable they can be  Mentoring is not about helping someone who is weak survive  Mentoring is about helping everyone maximize their potential and be as effective as they can be

The Evolving Mentor What do you think of when you hear the term “Mentor”? What would be the characteristics of the perfect advisor for you?  Is there a match?  Can you find anyone who fits?  Can you find people who have some of the characteristics you gave your perfect advisor?

Finding a Mentor Don’t rely on a single person for everything!  Unlikely to find a perfect match  Unlikely to find anyone who will feel comfortable being your only source of advice Want someone you can go to for advice not orders Want someone you feel comfortable with

Finding The Mentor for You Be proactive  Do not wait for someone to be assigned  Do not assume that you have no choices Start small and approach someone you think you can work with  Make a finite request  Tell them if they have been helpful  Ask if they would be willing to give you more advice in the future

Being a Mentor We all have a responsibility to help others  Legitimize / Lead by example Let people know that you had a mentor  Facilitate Invite out junior faculty for a coffee  Respond If you are asked for help at least point someone in the right direction

Effective Mentors What attributes are needed?  Listening Skills Best if you are an “active listener”  Ability to empathize  Ability to be effective  Comfortable in role Able to advise on these issues Willing to give constructive criticism  In appropriate role/have authority

Institutional Role Institutions need to ensure that junior faculty, in particular, are being mentored  Encourage junior faculty to find a mentor Do not say “You are good enough you do not need one”!  Make sure that there are senior faculty who can take on the role of mentor and do so effectively

Institutional Role Institutions should view mentoring as a rewarded service activity Institutions should train faculty  What outside resources can they call on?  What are most common issues? Often especially useful for faculty to have people outside of their departments that they can go to