Guest Blog from Libby McCroskey

What Is a Mentor?

Why Might You Want One?  Why Might You Want to Be One?

A mentor is, in short, an advisor.  Having one is a requirement of participation in the IPS Leadership Academy.  As a veteran of over 20 years at my job, I didn’t think I wanted or needed a mentor.  Being a participant in the Leadership Academy, I got one anyway.  The experience has been much more than I expected, and in a very good way.  Here’s a little of what I learned:

A mentor is a two-way relationship that is founded on trust and honesty.  The most important ground rule, to me, is that nothing within the relationship will be used to harm the other person.  The next most important rule is that each must have the best interests of the other person in mind.  

A mentor’s role is not merely to impart wisdom, and a mentee’s role is not just to listen.  Both parties will learn, and both will teach.  Both must be willing to listen as well as to speak. 

It is not a superior/subordinate relationship.  While the mentor generally does have more experience, is more accomplished, and/or has more knowledge, the relationship is primarily based on mutual respect.

Do I think that everyone should have a mentor?  Absolutely.  And if you have wisdom and experience to share, you should also consider being a mentor.  When the relationship works, it’s a very rewarding experience for both participants.

Advice to Mentors:  Your mentee may not always follow your advice, and may even (gasp!) disagree with you.  This may be an opportunity for you to learn in the relationship.  Be open-minded.

Advice to Mentees:  Your mentor will not always tell you what you want to hear, but instead will tell you what he or she thinks you need to hear.  Be open to learning.