‣ 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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