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AFH 1 · Chapter 14 · Section 14.11

The Mentoring Process

Part of Developing Others · 2 sections · ~727 words · WAPS PFE study material

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The Mentoring Process — MENTOR (Model, Empathize, Nurture, Teach)

MENTORING Acronym

MENTORING Acronym
The mentoring model, M – E – N – T – O – R – I – N – G, demonstrates the concepts of effective mentoring.
Letters Match Concepts
The elements of effective mentoring correspond to the letters in the word itself.

Model

Model
An effective mentor, serving as a role model, understands that actions speak louder than words.

Protégé Observation

Protégé Observes/Learns
The protégé constantly observes and learns from the mentor.

Variety of Situations

Variety of Situations
The opportunity to see how the mentor deals with a variety of situations is an important part of the mentoring process.

Empathize

Empathize
Mentoring requires the ability to empathize and show genuine compassion for protégés.

Remember Inexperience

Remember Inexperience
Mentors who remember what it was like when they were new and inexperienced may be more effective in assisting others in their professional development.

Empathy Cultivates Bonds

Empathy Cultivates Bonds
Empathy cultivates bonds between mentors and protégés and fosters the mutual commitment that exemplifies mentoring.

Nurture

Nurture
Nurturing emphasizes a caring attitude.

Farmer Analogy

Farmer Analogy
Like a farmer tends to the field, the mentor nurtures the protégé, by investing:
  • Time
  • Patience
  • Effort

Make Time and Effort

Make Time + Effort
Mentors must make the time and effort to effectively mentor their protégés and provide the appropriate amounts of:
  • Attention
  • Training
  • Feedback
  • Time for them to apply, internalize, and value what they have learned

Teach

Teach
The skill of teaching may not come naturally to everyone, but knowledge and experience are valuable as mentors.

Five Steps for Teaching

5 Teaching Steps
Consider these five simple steps when teaching and training protégés:
  1. Organize the material into logical, systematic units of manageable size
  2. Correct errors immediately
  3. Frequently review previously covered material and relate the material to the current lesson
  4. Include practical exercises to help the protégé exercise the newfound knowledge
  5. Evaluate protégé progress and provide detailed feedback

The Mentoring Process — ORGANIZE, RESPOND, INSPIRE, NETWORK, GOAL-SET (SMART)

Organize

Organize
Mentors must themselves be organized before trying to help others become organized.

Goal-Focused

Goal-Focused
An organized mentor knows from the very beginning what he or she wants to achieve, and focuses on this goal.

Time and Effort Pay Off

Time + Effort Dividends
The time and effort spent organizing thoughts and materials into a logical, sequential plan aimed at a precisely defined target pays big dividends in the form of improved learning and developmental experiences for the protégé.

Respond

Respond
Mentoring is a two-way communication process that requires mentors to:
  • Actively listen to the protégé questions
  • Provide useful and timely responses

Nonverbal Awareness

Nonverbal Awareness
Effective mentors must remain alert to recognize:
  • Nonverbal behaviors
  • Subtle communication cues that indicate the protégés' interest in certain areas

Proactive Mentoring

Proactive Mentoring
Mentors should be proactive, anticipate the:
  • Needs
  • Problems
  • Concerns of protégés

…and address them immediately.

Inspire

Inspire
More than a good role model, teacher, or ally, an effective mentor is an inspirational mentor.

Profound Impact

Inspirational Impact
Inspirational mentors have a profound impact on protégés that encourages them to transform into a more improved being.

Inspiration Distinguishes

Inspiration Distinguishes
Inspiration is a characteristic that distinguishes leaders from managers.

Network

Network
A good mentor introduces and connects a protégé with others who can provide:
  • Increased guidance
  • Support
  • Resources
  • Opportunities

Vital Function

Networking Vital Function
Networking is a vital function that helps protégés establish themselves in their professional community through a solid network of:
  • Friends
  • Acquaintances
  • Associates

Goal-Set (SMART)

Goal-Set
Sometimes people lack the experience to understand the importance of setting goals or the expertise to establish Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound goals.

SMART Acronym

SMART Goals
Mentors must help their protégés:
  • Understand why goals are important
  • Establish short- and long-term goals that are:
  • S — Specific
  • M — Measurable
  • A — Achievable
  • R — Realistic
  • T — Time-bound
  • Be available to assist them in achieving their goals

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