One of a mentor's main responsibilities is to provide guidance. The mentor's job is to learn as much as possible about the mentee's capabilities and limitations. They should also be ready to take the role of the "devil's advocate" when necessary. The relationship benefits from this on both ends.
The mentor also serves as inspiration. For a mentee who is acquiring new knowledge and abilities, this is crucial. Most mentoring relationships involve regular meetings with a predetermined agenda. The mentee will benefit from this because it will encourage a sense of responsibility for the choices they make.
A mentor should also serve as someone to bounce ideas off of. Mentors can ask their mentees probing, thought-provoking questions. They may also be able to introduce the mentee to others in their own networks. They can keep an eye out for potential risks and advantages for the company. They can offer guidance on projects as well.
An excellent role model should be both knowledgeable and passionate about their subject. A good mentor doesn't have to know everything, but they should be willing to teach by example and take in new information. A good mentor will have years of experience under their belt and will know the ins and outs of the field. They need to be willing to impart the wisdom they would have welcomed at an earlier stage. In addition to being knowledgeable and helpful, a great mentor is also honest and never cuts corners.
An effective mentor will also encourage the mentee to consider alternatives to the status quo. They should be an expert in the field who has the breadth and depth of knowledge to challenge the student and push them past their comfort zones. Likewise, a mentor needs to be flexible and receptive to the student's preferred method of instruction.
Mentors are invaluable for those looking to change careers or launch a business. You can learn a lot from them that would be hard to find in a book. A mentor's knowledge and ability to guide a mentee through tricky client negotiations are two of the many reasons they are so valuable. Mentors can also facilitate the mentee's individual development.
Anyone worth their salt as a mentor also excels at teaching and serving as an example. Mentors should be patient with their mentees, open to feedback, and encouraging in tone. It's also important that a good mentor is accessible on a consistent basis. It is important for mentors and mentees to meet regularly for the benefit of both parties. A mentor's availability for casual contact in between scheduled meetings is also important.
A mentor's role is not just to offer guidance, but also to ensure that their mentee follows through on that guidance. A good mentor will challenge their mentee with probing questions, keep them focused on their goals, and guide them in putting their newfound knowledge to use. Confidence is another area where a mentor can help. A mentor's feedback on their mentee's progress should be forthright and delivered during weekly meetings. A motivational speech should also be part of the meeting.