How to be a Mentor
Being a mentor is a big commitment, but becoming a mentor to younger teens or peers is rewarding and beneficial to the mentor as well. As a mentor, you have the opportunity to share experiences with someone else who benefits from the lessons you’ve learned. You may be surprised that your mentee will also challenge you to think in new ways. Mentoring is also a great way to build important skills that will make you a more effective manager in the future.
The need for mentors continues to grow as more young people realize the value of having a mentor. If you’re interested in working with peers or younger students as they navigate through a life with hemophilia, you should consider becoming a mentor. It provides a great opportunity to get involved in your community and helps ensure the next generation of young adults receives the same support given to you.
Here are a few tips every new mentor to keep in mind:
A GOOD MENTOR IS...5
- A great listener
- Truly caring about people
- Believing in others’ capabilities
- Patient and kind
- Sensitive to the needs and circumstances of others
- Humorous and outgoing
- Committed to relationships
- Open to different points of view
Additional resources for mentors include:
References
5 Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada. www.bigbrothersbigsisters.ca/
en/Home/Programs/InSchoolMentoring.aspx Accessed July 14, 2008.
