Quality #6: Mentors Are Reflective

Reflection is a tool for promoting self-directed learning and personal responsibility. Mentoring is a reflective practice that results in deeper learning for both mentor and mentee.

Mentees should make time to critically reflect on their own mentoring practice in order to grow in their role and improve their mentoring skills.

Summary: Qualities of an Effective Mentor

Review the list of qualities of an effective mentor below. Which ones are your strengths (+) and which are challenges (-) for you? Which qualities do you need to further develop to be a more effective mentor? How will you begin? Write your responses in the text box after the list.

• Approachable
• Collaborative
• Partner
• Relationship builder
• Trust-builder
• Confidentiality holder
• Facilitator
• Respectful
• Role model
• Supporter
• Reflective
• Listener
• Empathetic
• Respectful 
• Honest
• Candid

If you are interested in research on both successful and unsuccessful mentoring relationships conducted by Dr. Sharon Straus, click on the url below and watch the video "Building the Mentoring Relationship", presented by Melanie Wass. She emphasizes the importance of taking time to "set up" the relationship.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NG-YGGFWow (7:50)