What Does It Mean to Be a Mentor?

In answer to my prior post, no. No, the job that I have this year as a technology coach is NOT the same as being a mentor.

The articles that we read clearly show that a mentor/mentee relationship is symbiotic, not a one-way street. While a mentor is using their position to impart knowledge or provide support, they need to be open to being on the receiving end as well, taking advantage of some self-reflection.

What skills should a mentor have?

If you want this choice position

Have a cheery disposition...


Much like the letter that Jane and Michael Banks wrote to outline the requirements for a nanny, I could also list the skills that I would want a mentor of mine to have. Thinking back to those who have mentored me in the past, there have been both winners and losers. One of the best was Linda, my BTSA coach. While not the only person to work with me while I participated in that program, she offered an excellent balance of uplifting support while still being able to play the devil's advocate. With a few well chosen words, she could open my eyes to my shortcomings without making me feel defensive. Even better, she was always an excellent sounding board and never at a loss for offering suggestions and ideas that would improve my instruction.

What are common mentoring challenges and how can they be overcome?

If you won't scold and dominate us
We will never give you cause to hate us...

A mentor is not a coach, as I stated above. A coach's role is to direct someone, sometimes whether or not they want to go that way. Coaching connotes a position of authority. A mentor needs to create a safe environment for their mentee; they need to establish an aura of trust.

It might be challengie to sit and actively listen to a mentee at times; the urge to chime in and offer advice might make one squirm in their seat. Frankly, it is a bad trait of mine, interrupting. While my intent might be good ("I've got a really good idea I want to share with you!"), it demeans the person speaking. Showing respect by listening without interrupting is important. Taking notes to jot down brainstorms would be a good way to keep ideas in mind.

Another challenge might be convincing your mentee that you have something to offer them and that it would be worth their while to listen with an open mind. Once you have managed to earn their trust, you're on the right road.

What is the nature of the mentor/mentee relationship - How is it the same or different than other relationships (ie supervisor/subordinate, peer/peer, teacher/student)?

Like a supervisor, a mentor is the one who oversees the work of another; unlike a supervisor, a mentor doesn't manage that work. While it may offer a two-way exchange like that between peers, a mentor needs to think ahead and find ways to problem-solve for the mentee, or at least help them reach a positive solution. Teachers and students travel a one-way street while the mentor might find themselves being the one learning something in the interaction as well.

How will technology potentially strengthen or challenge the mentoring process?

The ease with which one can avail oneself of informational resources through technology is a definite strength. One possible 'danger' of trying to use technology to stay in touch with a mentee might be that one could be a little too distant or detached; regular face-to-face meetings would be necessary.