The Power of ‘Mentoring’ Pt 1
The Power of Mentoring is in the call for a willingness to practically apply a certain type of thinking in a Learning Relationship…Transformational Thinking.
Coaching, Mentoring, Teaching can all be seen through this lens of Transformational thinking…and the first step in application of this thinking is to be willing to LEAD a response to what we come to know of it…so we can also call this Transformational Leadership…I do not believe that I could be transformational in nature if I did not lead that transformation; firstly within myself and then for others.
So the Power of Mentoring is in it’s Transformational Thinking and Leadership.
Why are Transformational Leadership and Mentoring linked? Well, lets look at a definition of what Mentoring is from the EMCC;
“Mentoring is a learning relationship, involving the sharing of skills, knowledge and expertise between a mentor and a mentee through developmental conversations, experience sharing and role modelling.”
My key take aways from this definition;
Mentoring is Relational, rather than Positional
The purpose of the relationship is focused on Learning, not compliance or control
Sharing implies two-way interaction
The vehicles for the interaction are communication (conversation), being present with each other in experiences (experience sharing) and being ‘worthy’ of emulating (role-modelling)…Leadership.
From an industry point of view, the expectations of Coaches and Mentors are that the relationship
Is Safe, Genuine, Accountable and Professional
Involves the framing and Asking of questions that encourage learning rather than statements that ‘tell’…
Provides opportunity to Involve (Create with) another in the determinations that need to be made, rather than pre-determine for them
“Leads” the best out of another rather than “Gets” the best…
Is Inter-dependent (in partnership) and mutually beneficial…
Is approached with a priority of Their agenda and success first; mine will, and does, follow.
The underpinning philosophy and beliefs of Mentoring
Mentoring relationships are built upon a belief in people that comes from thinking in terms of their potential not a focus on their [past or present] performance.
As a mentor I must be aware of and ensure I am working from my learner’s experiences and perceptions, rather than my own.
To be a great mentor, I must have the belief that the performer can go beyond the limitations of my knowledge and experience.
My Practice will follow my beliefs; my way of treating people, my way of thinking.
Coaching/Mentoring is a way of BEING. It is not my role or job.
Highlighting the important aspects
Mentoring is a relationship that is Mutually beneficial; 2-way; Growth-focused; and approached in Partnership
The relationship is Reciprocal yet a-symmetrical and is established for the personal and professional development of [both] the participants.
