Peer Mentoring Essay

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Mentor-Mentee Relationship A mentor’s job is to help the mentee reach their career goals. The relationship should be mentee-centered. The mentor is required to listen, sometimes challenge, offers insight and encourage the mentee. A mentoring relationship needs frequent and consistent contact, and should be very interactive. Both partners contribute, change and grow during the relationship. A formal mentoring program requires a commitment of time and energy for the purpose of guiding and sharing. The mentoring relationship can be for specific projects, and for short or extended periods of time. Mentoring is not to be confused with counseling, being a buddy or a boss. Mentors should never be a mentee’s direct supervisor; both partners should be equals within the organization. Poor mentoring can be worse than no mentoring at all and can damage self-confidence and drain enthusiasm of both the mentor and the mentee. It is extremely important for the relationship between a mentor and mentee to be based on four key factors: • Trust • Respect • Commitment • Confidentially All four factors are crucial in order for a healthy and effective relationship between the mentor and mentee to exist. Qualities of a Mentor A mentor can significantly influence another person’s life. Time and energy is necessary for such a relationship. Mentor’s must have an open mind, and may need to set aside their personal goals and interests to focus on those of the mentee. Listening to the mentee actively and without judgment is important and confidentiality must be maintained at all times. A key characteristic of a good mentor is their ability to be encouraging of the mentee’s self-confidence. Those who have been mentored well say the most helpful aspect is the "I know you can do it” attitude of the mentor. Some other key characteristics include: People oriented behavior •

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