1. Mentoring vs. Supervising
Sue Piper Duckles, Ph.D.
Dept. of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of California, Irvine

2. What is a mentor?
From time of the Greeks: Described by Homer : “Wise and trusted counselor”.
Left in charge of the household while Odysseus went on his travels.
Today: Someone who takes a special interest in helping another person develop into a successful professional.

3. What is a mentor?
A good mentor seeks to help optimize an educational experience, assist socialization into a disciplinary culture, and aid in finding the next position.
Graduate training as an apprenticeship: passing on all skills necessary for success.
We can use our own experience as a guide as we mentor others. Remember both the good and the bad.

4. Mentor vs. Supervisor
A mentor works to help develop someone’s career. Nurturing. May or may not supervise.
A supervisor is responsible for ensuring that someone does their job. May or may not be a mentor.

5. Resource about mentoring:
Adviser, Teacher, Role Model, Friend:
On being a mentor to students in Science and Engineering
National Academy of Sciences, 1997

6. Why be a good mentor? Achieve satisfaction. Attract good students.
Stay on top of your field.
Develop your professional network.
Extend your contribution.
Strengthen your department and institution.
Gain strong colleagues.

7. Advice for New Mentors Listen patiently. Build a relationship.
Don’t abuse your authority.
Nurture self-sufficiency
Share yourself.
Provide introductions.
Be constructive: Give positive feedback.
Don’t be overbearing: Avoid dictating choices.
Find your own mentors.

8. Building Respect Take students seriously Don’t dictate answers
Be frank and direct
Help develop self-esteem
Invite other mentors
Address fears without belittling
Meet on “neutral ground”

9. Mentoring is Not Exclusive
Different mentors may bring different knowledge
Expertise in research area
Knowledge of the Institution/Company
Knowledge of the national scene: Connections
Familiarity with individual issues: Women/Ethnicity/Childrearing
Encourage multiple mentors.

10. Can a mentor really be a friend?
“Advisor, Teacher, Role Model, Friend”
Power differential cannot be ignored
Graduate student: Thesis advisor
Postdoctoral Fellow: Supervisor
Laboratory Staff: Supervisor
You can never be simply a friend.
But, personal relationship is what makes a mentor effective; share your own experience.

11. Advisor, Teacher, Role Model, Friend
Mentoring is not static, nor the same in all situations.
Each mentee is different and has different needs.
Needs will change with time.
Mentor needs to vary degree and type of attention, help, advice, information and encouragement.

12. Mentoring vs. Supervising
This is a continuum, not an absolute difference.
In any interaction with a power differential, you can never be just a friend. You must avoid taking advantage or being too close and losing perspective or compromising your responsibility for supervising.
When you are close to the age of those you supervise or even younger, you may have to keep more distance in order to maintain your authority.

13. Mentor as a Role Model Be a model through both word and action.
Discuss with students features and satisfactions of your own position. Be frank about advantages and drawbacks.
Communicate importance of good mentoring to future generations.