Mentoring Patricia Rankin Tricia@pizero.colorado.edu Supported by SBE-123636 Mentors Matter Everyone needs at least one mentor  The less you think you need a mentor the more valuable they can be   Mentoring is not about helping someone who is weak survive  Mentoring is about helping everyone maximize their potential and be as effective as they can be The Evolving Mentor What do you think of when you hear the term “Mentor”?  What would be the characteristics of the perfect advisor for you?   Is there a match?  Can you find anyone who fits?  Can you find people who have some of the characteristics you gave your perfect advisor? Finding a Mentor  Don’t rely on a single person for everything!  Unlikely to find a perfect match  Unlikely to find anyone who will feel comfortable being your only source of advice Want someone you can go to for advice not orders  Want someone you feel comfortable with  Finding The Mentor for You  Be proactive not wait for someone to be assigned  Do not assume that you have no choices  Do  Start small and approach someone you think you can work with  Make a finite request  Tell them if they have been helpful  Ask if they would be willing to give you more advice in the future Being a Mentor  We all have a responsibility to help others  Legitimize /  Lead by example Let people know that you had a mentor Invite out junior faculty for a coffee If you are asked for help at least point someone in the right direction  Facilitate   Respond  Effective Mentors  What attributes are needed?  Listening Skills  Best if you are an “active listener” to empathize  Ability to be effective  Comfortable in role   Ability  Able to advise on these issues Willing to give constructive criticism  In appropriate role/have authority Institutional Role  Institutions need to ensure that junior faculty, in particular, are being mentored  Encourage junior  faculty to find a mentor Do not say “You are good enough you do not need one”!  Make sure that there are senior faculty who can take on the role of mentor and do so effectively Institutional Role Institutions should view mentoring as a rewarded service activity  Institutions should train faculty   What outside resources can they call on?  What are most common issues?  Often especially useful for faculty to have people outside of their departments that they can go to