A Mentor should be seen as someone who:

• Is a loyal friend, confidant and advisor
• Is a teacher, guide, coach and role model
• Is entrusted with the care and education of another
• Is willing to give away what he or she knows in a non-competitive way
• Represents skill, knowledge, virtue and accomplishment

The most effective mentors:

• welcome mentees into the university and take a personal interest in their career development and well-being
• want to share their knowledge, materials, skill and experience with those they mentor
• offer support, challenge, patience and enthusiasm while they guide others to new levels of competence
• point the way and represent tangible evidence of what can be achieved through perseverance
• expose mentees to new ideas, perspectives and standards
• are more expert in terms of knowledge but view themselves as equal to those they mentor

Generally, when we look at the role of mentor, we consider a more experienced individual sharing professional knowledge with a less experienced individual from the same field. Certainly sharing one's expertise is a large part of mentoring, but so is the communication of support, challenge and feeling and providing many kinds of information. Two of the major areas to consider in the mentoring role are those of sharing expertise (communicating ideas and information) and communication of support and challenge. Both areas are best developed through individual and small group work.

Characteristics of effective mentors include the following:

• They listen to and communicate effectively with others.
• They exhibit a good feeling about their own accomplishments and about the profession.
• They recognize and encourage excellence in others.
• They are committed to supporting and interacting with their peers.
• They are able to accept and understand the views of others.
• They enjoy intellectual engagement and like to help others.
• They are sensitive to the needs of others and generally recognize when others require support, direct assistance or independence.
• They exercise good judgment in decisions concerning themselves and the welfare of others.

While any single mentor may not possess all of these characteristics, effective mentors have many of these qualities. There is no single ideal profile, but prospective mentors who possess many of these qualities are likely to fill the role well. It is also important to recognize that many of the qualities listed are developed or learned and the result of practice.

Communicating ideas and information

Every mentor has a specific body of knowledge and skill to share.

Suggestions for Sharing Expertise on Planning

• Find out how you can be the most helpful in the area of planning.
• Early in the mentoring relationship, schedule regular times to meet for discuss and planning sessions.
• Discuss goals for the semester and objectives for meetings. Using this method of preparation for your mentoring meetings helps consolidate these ideas that the mentees are still learning about.

Mentors must take care to acknowledge the professional growth and development in their mentees over time. They types of knowledge and skills they needed to learn at the outset of the mentoring program will not be the same as they progress through it. Ensure the support provided allows for the evolutionary process of their development.

Last updated: eg (2002)

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