Mentoring Tips [1]: Do More Than Talk
I’ve recently been researching how to be a good mentor. Mentoring is different than coaching and training. Coaching is about polishing skills people already have. Training is about helping people learn how to do new things. Mentoring is about helping others navigate the organizational culture, effectively handling the ‘slides, snakes and ladders’.
Tip number 1 is to do more than just talk. Help your mentee do things that will raise their profile and capabilities. For example that might be getting them on a special committee or doing some continuing education – either giving or getting. That’s the kind that enlarges their perspective and foundation.
