To Mentor or Not To Mentor?

Louise Francis, BS RT(T), CMDDOS 721 Education in Medical Dosimetry

Spring Semester 2012

A wise and trusted counselor or teacher An influential senior sponsor or

supporter Mentors make efforts to challenge and

develop mentees to think and do for themselves and grow in their capabilities.¹

What is a Mentor?

ParentsTeachersCoachesWhat do these people have in

common?Do you have what it takes?

Our First Mentors

Desire to be a mentor/ Mentor training Careful paring Willing to designate time to spend with

mentee Committed to developing a relationship with

mentee Encourage, Challenge, Affirm and Counsel Expect excellence, but not perfection Create an environment comfort safety and

trust

Characteristics of Effective Mentors

Not designating time for or avoiding mentee Not leading by example Unable to adapt mentoring style Not asking enough questions of mentees Not challenging mentee on appropriate

levels Not exposing mentee to networking circles Not knowing when mentor and mentee need

to part

Characteristics of Ineffective Mentors

Attend a formal training program Advertise your interest in becoming

a mentor Seek out individuals that exhibit

potential Seek out individuals that often ask

for your advice

How to Become a Mentor

Always be on time Understand that your feedback is

important Realize that you are not expected to be

perfect Don’t take criticism personally It’s okay to disagree or say “I don’t get it”

Mentee Expectations

Provides an opportunity to give backPassing on knowledge and skills that

are importantLearn something new Increase your networkThe joy of learning

Benefits for the Mentor

Creation of a safety zone Constructive feedback without cruelty Exposure to professionalism Confidence in abilities Being able to exceed the expectations

of employers Establish a network

Benefits for the Mentee

Mentors or mentees are not well paired

Time constraintsEventual disinterestMentees have developed interests

beyond their mentors area of expertise

When to say “Goodbye”

Mentors are always needed Helps to shape the future of a given profession Assist in establishing a program Remember:

Mentoring is more than a fad. It is a well-researched helping relationship. Mentored individuals are also more likely to mentor others.²

In Closing…..

1. Broustein M. Coaching and Mentoring For Dummies. New York, NY: Wiley; 2000:115. 2. Johnson W, Ridley C. The Elements of Mentoring. New York, NY: Palgrave Macmillian; 2004:xv.

References