| What a mentor does | What a mentor does not do |
|---|---|
| Listen: function as a sounding board for problems and ideas | Protect from experience: do not assume the role of problem solver for the mentees |
| Criticize constructively: Point out areas that need improvement, always focusing on the mentee’s behavior, never his/her character | Take over: do not do what the mentees should be doing themselves |
| Support and facilitate: provide networking experience; share knowledge of the system, offer | |
| assistance where needed | Force: do not attempt to force a mentee in one direction |
| Teach by example: serve as a model for adhering to the highest values in every area of life | Use undue influence: do not use a sense of obligation to influence the mentee’s professional decisions |
| Encourage and motivate: help mentees to consistently move beyond their comfort zone | Lose critical oversight: do not allow friendship to shade over into favoritism |
| Promote independence: give their mentees every opportunity to learn by experience | Condemn: do not convey to the mentees that honest mistakes are career-altering disasters |
| Promote balance: serve as a model for balance between professional and personal needs and obligations | |
| Take pride in the success of their mentees: recognize that students may rise to greater levels than those who trained them |
| What a mentee DOES | What a mentee DOES NOT do |
|---|---|
| Take the initiative: recognize the need for mentoring and seek it out | Avoid difficulties: do not expect mentors to solve all your problems for you |
| Avoid perfectionism: accept that you will make mistakes, and learn from them | Sidestep work: do not expect mentors to do work that you should be doing yourselves |
| Maintain balance: preserve time for family and friends | Stay in your comfort zone: do not shy away from new learning experiences |
| Work hard: are prepared to give your best | |
| Take advantage: do not use friendship with a mentor as a tool to avoid work or escape consequences of your own activities | |
| Support your peers: exchange personal and professional support with fellow trainees | Bottle it up: do not avoid talking about problems, anxieties, or grief because it makes you seem less than perfect |
| Welcome experience: are enthusiastic about pursuing the widest range of professional experience | Let your ego get in the way: recognize that everyone in the community has something to teach you |
| Seek counseling: solicit advice or counseling if you experience problems with depression, substance abuse, or burnout |
Culled from bgsu.edu