Five Characteristics of Good Mentors
Mentors make a difference. Why? A good mentor expedites your path to success and makes your efforts both more efficient and effective. Here are five characteristics of a good mentor:
- Knowledgeable and Experienced: A good mentor possesses a deep understanding of their field and significant experience. Good mentors have have practical insights and can provide valuable advice based on their own journey. They are more than theories and pithy sayings. Your best mentors have both been there and done that. Instead of discovering pitfalls on your own, let a good mentor help you avoid them. This will take humility and willingness to listen.
- Empathetic and Approachable: Good mentors are empathetic and approachable. They create a safe environment for mentees to share their thoughts, concerns, and questions without fear of judgment. When you mess things up a good mentor will not give you a pass; neither will they tear you down and forget that you are a human being that sometimes needs a word of encouragement.
- Good Listener: A good mentor listens actively and attentively. While some people have experience and are empathetic, they lack the listening skills to understand the mentee’s needs, aspirations, and challenges. The best mentors will prioritize understanding over just offering solutions. This will often mean taking the time to ask questions and perhaps going away to think and do research before proffering a recommendation.
- Supportive and Encouraging: They provide encouragement and support, helping mentees build confidence and resilience. They celebrate successes and provide constructive feedback during setbacks.
- Committed and Available: A good mentor is committed to the mentee’s growth and development, regularly making time for mentorship sessions and being available for guidance when needed. They are invested in the mentee’s progress and success.
In His grip by His grace,
Roderick L. Barnes, Sr.
P.S. I am grateful to God for my mentors: (1) Col. (Ret) John Bellizan, (2) Sam Johnson, and (3) Dr. Alejandro Mandes. They have counseled me, confronted me when I am wrong, and called me to get up when I feel down.