‣ Mentoring Principles and Responsibilities Learnt from the Social Starts Ups Project
The relationship between the mentor and mentees is very much person-centred; focusing on their professional and personal development. The mentor may be asked to give advice or information, or „ sign-post ‟ the mentees to relevant contacts or resources. Whatever the techniques used by the mentor, the emphasis is on enabling and empowering the mentees to take charge of their own development and their environment. To allow this relationship to be effective, the importance of the mentor ‟ s interpersonal skills is essential. Other useful skills include effective listening, empathy, understanding in a non-judgemental approach and the ability to facilitate through skilled questioning.
The role of the Mentor is to: � Listen � Question to elicit facts � Give information, knowledge about organisation / occupation and informal networks � Give advice on the social start up process � Offer different perspectives � Offer support and encouragement � Draw on own experience when appropriate � Confront and discuss current issues � Take the lead and make suggestions – at least early on in the relationship
And to encourage the Mentees to: � Listen � Clarify understanding � Review and reflect on the EPG members � Change assumptions � Consider different perspectives � Develop and manage a the social start up plan � Take responsibility for their own development � Make decisions to maximise the outcomes of the mentoring relationship
Now write down your own definition of: 1. Mentoring:
2. Mentor:
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