What Is A Mentor? An Insight Of The Book

Many discussions I have had in recent months with people in different parts of the world have highlighted increasing concerns about the health and wellbeing of young people and young adults. MENTOR: Strategies to Inspire Young People – Support for Mentors, Educators, Parents, Youth Workers and Coaches is now available. The book aims to promote the awareness of the spirit of mentoring among all who journey alongside young people and young adults. Over 1000 mentoring strategies and tips, true stories, mentoring reflections, and lots more. The book will also be a tribute to all who have mentored, supported and encouraged me and shared resources over the years.
Grab The Mentor Book Now
Buy The Mentoring Manual

Creating Meaningful Mentor-Mentee Connection

The real search of adolescents is for love, understanding and significance. To be a life-changing agent in a mentee’s life, it’s important for the mentor to learn how to both care and share, these being two important qualities as the connection between mentor and mentee is developed.

The mentor is encouraged to take the initiative in the relationship. The mentor might feel insecure with the mentee, but the mentor should remember that adolescents feel even more insecure with an adult. The mentor needs to make the move and be prepared to go 80% of the way to have a relationship with the mentee. Don’t expect much initial response from the mentee – their small talk is important to them (boyfriends/girlfriends, TV, X-Box, iPods, iPhones, SMS, Internet Chat Rooms, sport, a party coming up, music etc.) so be patient. Small talk can lead to big talk.

As the mentee needs to feel important at all times, the mentor should take an active interest in how he or she is doing. The mentor is encouraged to make the mentee the central focus of their time together – my mentee is a special person. Affirm the mentee – actively look for good characteristics and qualities and never hesitate to compliment the mentee, no matter how small the compliment might appear to be to the mentor.

The real search of adolescents is for love, understanding and significance. To be a life-changing agent in a mentee’s life, it’s important for the mentor to learn how to both care and share, these being two important qualities as the connection between mentor and mentee is developed.

The mentor is encouraged to take the initiative in the relationship. The mentor might feel insecure with the mentee, but the mentor should remember that adolescents feel even more insecure with an adult. The mentor needs to make the move and be prepared to go 80% of the way to have a relationship with the mentee. Don’t expect much initial response from the mentee – their small talk is important to them (boyfriends/girlfriends, TV, X-Box, iPods, iPhones, SMS, Internet Chat Rooms, sport, a party coming up, music etc.) so be patient. Small talk can lead to big talk.

As the mentee needs to feel important at all times, the mentor should take an active interest in how he or she is doing. The mentor is encouraged to make the mentee the central focus of their time together – my mentee is a special person. Affirm the mentee – actively look for good characteristics and qualities and never hesitate to compliment the mentee, no matter how small the compliment might appear to be to the mentor.

Mentoring Through the Ages

The word Mentor comes from the Greek language and means a wise guide

Traditionally, a mentor was an older, more experienced person, who became responsible for grooming a younger person to fill a role

From the Middle Ages art, craft and commerce were learned in a master/apprentice relationship, e.g. a shoemaker training another in the art of making shoes
Still today apprentices learn a trade/job skills from those more experienced than themselves

The value of the mentoring process lies in watching a person of genuine wisdom and character surmount obstacles, solve problems and overcome mistakes. The secret to profoundly influencing others as a mentor lies in honesty, transparently opening our lives to inspection warts and all.

Ron Lee Davis

The Role of a Mentor - A Friend & Guide

A Mentor IS

  • a friend
  • a motivator
  • a guide
  • a coach
  • a tutor
  • a companion
  • a resource
  • a confidant
  • a listener
  • a cheerleader
  • a supporter
  • an advocate
  • an advisor
  • a sounding-board
  • a networker
  • a negotiator
  • a role model

A Mentor IS NOT

  • a trained counsellor
  • a therapist
  • a saviour
  • a cool peer
  • a parole officer
  • a foster parent
  • a bank/ATM machine
  • a mentee’s scheming sidekick
  • a mentee’s private secretary
  • a taxi
  • a social worker
  • a personal adviser
  • a parent
  • a baby sitter
  • a disciplinarian
  • a psychologist
  • a psychiatrist
  • a nag

Essential Resources for Strengthening Mentor-Mentee Relationships