2023 Senior Fellows Program (2nd & 3rd Year) | August 2023-Lightdale

Lightdale - Mentoring and Being a Mentor

Pdf Summary

In this document, Dr. Jenifer R. Lightdale discusses the importance and strategies of mentoring. She emphasizes the value of having multiple mentors in different areas, such as research, professional development, lifestyle, and networking. She lists qualities to look for in a mentor, such as respect, experience, good listening skills, and the ability to help examine difficult choices. An ideal mentor should be professionally competent, interpersonally skillful, and possess certain personal attributes. They should be willing to share experiences, promote their mentees, and provide assistance even under difficult conditions.<br /><br />Dr. Lightdale also provides advice for choosing a mentor, including assessing their accessibility, managerial style, and pace of work. She highlights the importance of a good match in personality and gut instincts. The responsibilities of a mentee include being open and prepared, asking questions, taking suggestions positively, and scheduling appointments. She also discusses various forms of mentoring, such as classic mentoring, mentoring by committee, peer mentoring, e-mentoring, and academic coaching.<br /><br />The document highlights the differences between mentorship and sponsorship, with sponsorship involving actively advocating for someone's promotion and career opportunities. The importance of defining the mentorship relationship, setting goals and expectations, and developing a mentoring plan is discussed. It is important to communicate and address differences, both visible and invisible, between mentors and mentees. Active listening, paying attention, and responding appropriately are essential skills for effective mentoring. The document concludes by emphasizing the challenges and realities of being mentored and mentoring others, and the need to adopt and implement strategies for success.

Keywords

mentoring

multiple mentors

qualities of a mentor

choosing a mentor

responsibilities of a mentee

forms of mentoring

mentorship vs sponsorship

defining the mentorship relationship

active listening

strategies for success