Causecast

by ELIZAH LEIGH, Contributing Writer

Whether you have already embarked on a mentorship or are just mulling over the idea, you’ve come to the right place for a no-nonsense crash course. January happens to be National Mentoring Month, a time in which both the government and nonprofit organizations across the nation are shining the spotlight on the importance of mentoring. Over the several weeks, Americans will be spreading awareness about the impact mentorships can have to increase participation in mentorship programs. So, take a few moments to explore the concept of mentoring and then figure out how you can turn 2010 into the year that you really make a difference in someone’s life!

Step One: Identify your strengths.

What gives you a great sense of purpose? In order to figure out what makes you tick and how you can apply your best skills toward a mentorship, take pen to paper and begin brainstorming. Create a list of all the disciplines you’ve pursued throughout your life that make you feel happy, fulfilled and stimulated. Are you considered an authority in your field? Do you wake up in the morning with a pep in your step knowing that you are pursuing work that fits you perfectly? If you’re nodding your head in agreement at any of the aforementioned questions, then you’ve definitely isolated the valuable skill(s) that you can share with an eager learner. Now go forth and spread the wealth.

Step Two: Be honest with yourself.

This isn’t the type of pursuit that you can try on for size and decide shortly thereafter that it’s not quite right for you. When you’re dealing with the emotional and academic welfare of another human being, undertaking a mentorship is a serious endeavor. You have to determine first and foremost if you can make a relatively long term commitment to aid your mentee, ranging from a few months to a year or more. If you don’t have the time and energy to devote to a mentorship, it’s okay to admit it. Opt instead for less long term volunteer opportunities.

Step Three: Find the right mentoring program for you.

There are a wide range of mentoring programs, so hone in on the right one for you. If you live in Los Angeles, Youth Mentoring Connection is an example of an outstanding local mentoring program. YMC pairs mentors with at-risk youth in L.A. for nine month mentorships. If you aren’t in L.A., look for comparable organizations in your city – use the search tool on www.mentoring.org to find mentoring programs by zip code.

If you want to incorporate a specific component into your mentorship, such as your religion or hobby, find a specific mentorship tailored to your interest.

For a faith-based mentorship, turn to your place of worship or local religious organization for suggestions – they may even run their own mentoring program.

Here are some other suggestions for mentorships that incorporate hobbies or center around specific topics:

• An art based mentoring program.
• A music based mentorship.
• A drug abuse prevention focused mentor program.
• An outdoor sports mentorship.
• A life after sports mentor program.
• A women-focused career development mentorship.

Whatever you’re interest, chances are you can find a mentorship program for you.

Step Three: Train yourself to acquire the top mentoring skills.

Very few of us are instantly perfect mentors. We must be willing to distill the very best that we personally have to offer and augment that with a few strategic characteristics that enable us to become an extraordinary teacher. If you aren’t already a good listener, start paying greater attention to what people around you are communicating and ask them what they think and how they feel. Engage your mentee, always offer direct eye contact, demonstrate sincere interest in what they are sharing, be kind, respectful and non-judgemental of their feelings and overall, become a genuine confidant. Find out what goals they have in life and figure out how your guidance can help them to rise to greater heights of personal achievement. Create timelines to fulfill those goals and demonstrate through your actions that they can count on you to follow through on your promises. Be postive, motivational, humorous, relatable, approachable, down-to-earth and always demonstrate consistent respect. Piece of cake!

Step Four: Establish boundaries and make sure you know what you are NOT.

With so many of the skills previously mentioned, you might be inclined to think that you’re taking on the role of a parent, but you are definitely NOT. Nor are you meant to morph into a makeshift therapist, chaperone, babysitter, personal chauffer, romantic interest or form of extracurricular entertainment. There is an express purpose to your role as mentor. Be very clear regarding what your function is, what your mentee’s expectations are and how you plan to help them reach their goals – and don’t stray from the course. There is certainly a little wiggle room for some fun, but stick to the rules and guidelines put forth by the organization you’re working with.

Step Five: Keep the lines of communication open.

Relationships always evolve over time, which is why it is essential to talk on an ongoing basis with the person you are mentoring. No one is perfect, including the person in the position of bestowing support and information. Encourage your mentee to be honest regarding what they think they are gaining from each session and if any areas are in need of improvement. Adapt your style accordingly. Make sure that you are both accountable to each other so that there is a continual forward-moving trajectory.

Good luck with your mentorship!

Photo by Afhboston, Wikimedia Commons.