Being a mentor to somebody is a great responsibility which rises and falls with mutual trust. Not only that your mentee has to trust you, but you have to trust him as well - both personally and professionally. You have to perceive your mentee as a person with different life experiences and you should not be afraid to speak not only about him, but mainly about yourself. Then you will be mostly very surprised how much even you as a mentor can learn from younger colleagues. The following tips for successful mentors were published by Forbes.com.
1. Teach and learn at the same time
Always play both the roles - teach others and also learn from them.
2. Take the role of a mentor as a commitment
Be available for your mentees when they need it.
3. Learn to listen
To help someone, you must listen to him first.
4. Find your own mentors
Develop your network of contacts and look for personalities to teach you how to be a better mentor for others.
5. Be open and empathetic
If you want to give someone a good advice, you must know his needs and opinions first. It's not about promoting the yours.
6. Be patient
You will have to learn to express constructive criticism, which also includes the ability to patiently wait your mentees' expressions of emotions out and not to look for rash solutions.
7. Set an example
The claims you have towards yourself should be one step higher than those you have towards your mentees.
8. Develop a real relationship
A personal relationship with your mentees will enrich your experience a lot.
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