MENTORS Magazine

(MENTORSMagazine) #1

18 | MENTORS MAGAZINE | EDITION 1


The counsellors don’t have a stake in the de-
cisions that are made. Therefore, they can
provide a devil’s advocate perspective and
debate problems without worrying about
offending anyone.

Be Accessible
A mentor doesn’t have to be instantly acces-
sible. However, advisers do need to be ap-
proachable enough that the mentee feels
comfortable looking to them for support.

During mentoring, the mentee must be
trained on the best way to contact their ad-
viser when they need assistance. They
should set up a protocol that involves under-
standing when to share important infor-
mation, how to contact the mentor and
what to expect in return.

Mentees should be instructed to reach out
to their guides before circumstances become
actual problems. When business owners and
managers turn to mentoring to evaluate po-
tential issues before they happen, they learn
how to manage their situations to ensure
success instead of simply putting out fires.

Provide Accountability
Mentoring can help someone reach their
business goals. People in this leadership po-
sition provide accountability and keep their
mentees on track.

Mentoring helps people take responsibility
for their actions. People in the leadership
role can often serve as a direct example of
what can be achieved when mentees accept
ownership for their decisions.

To create accountability, mentors must set

specific, realistic expectations. This establish-
es clear boundaries and provides direction
for the relationship, enhancing the potential
for positive results.

Help With Networking
Having an adviser gives mentees a chance to
build their networking opportunities. A col-
league on the giving end of this relationship
has been through it all before.

They’ve usually created a network for them-
selves. They can help mentees access this
network to boost their own potential. An ad-
viser is an insider who is on the outside of
the mentee’s social and professional circle.
This relationship can help someone make
contacts that they wouldn’t otherwise be ex-
posed to.

Offer Motivation and Support
Part of the mentorship role is to provide sup-
port and encouragement. These advisers
should demonstrate that they are counting
on the mentee to act a certain way.

As a role model, a counsellor is inherently
motivating. These individuals have usually
been successful doing what the mentee
strives to accomplish.

They can enhance the motivation factor by
working with the mentee to access intrinsic
motivation. When mentees consistently ac-
cess the fundamental rewards that come
from certain behaviours or a particular level
of performance, they maintain their desire
to reach their goals.

All mentoring relationships are unique. To
make the most out of this ongoing associa-
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