‣ Characteristics of a Good Mentor
Andrew Miller offers ten characteristics of effective mentors as follows :
1 . Enthusiastic volunteer
Their interest in helping their mentees and setting personal gains aside communicates itself .
2 . Accessibility Mentees should be able to contact mentors easily , but with defined , agreed limits .
3 . Sensitivity Mentors need to be aware of and sensitive to cultural and gender differences .
4 . Self-Awareness Mentors need to know their own weaknesses and values , and to be honest about them . They should be able to share values without imposing them .
5 . Discretion Confidentiality is the key to building trust in the relationship .
6 . Willingness to learn Mentoring should be a mutual learning experience , not purely one way .
7 . Non-judgmental Mentors should try to use positive reinforcement and encouraging behaviours .
8 . Patience Patience is especially important in the early stages of relationship building .
9 . Positive expectations
10 . Kind , tolerant and understanding
Mentors should have high or positive aspirations for their mentees .
These are important qualities in sustaining the relationship ‟ s inevitable highs and lows .
A Miller ( 2002 ) Mentoring students and Young People , Rougledge , London , page 190 .
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