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Overview -
All mentoring relationships are built on trust. This includes the mentee’s trust in the guidance of their mentor, and the mentor’s trust in the autonomous performance of their mentee. It involves the mentor being able to trust in the training they have provided, as well as the mentee being able to trust in their mentor’s availability. Thus, for a mentoring relationship to progress in a rewarding fashion, the establishment of shared trust must be made a priority. Achieving that is a challenge that requires both openness and boundaries. This balance involves being transparent where appropriate, and it involves being aware of vulnerability in power differences where relevant.*
*Dana D. Anderson & Wendelyn J. Shore (2008) Ethical Issues and Concerns Associated With Mentoring Undergraduate Students, Ethics & Behavior, 18:1, 1-25, DOI: 10.1080/10508420701519577
for the mentor
for the mentor
Ways of building trust -
Show them that you are invested in being a key contributor in their education and learning process
Try your best to target your mentoring style to their learning preferences, and be willing to change your mentoring style if necessary
Be available, in physical proximity to where the mentee is working to maintain awareness of their work and to be available for questions for hands-on work or new problem solving.
Respond curiously and supportively to mentee questions
Provide academic guidance, if requested
Share about your own professional experiences, including not only successes but also past difficulties, struggles, and mistakes
Be supportive in response to mentee sharing personal difficulties and share their happiness in the event of success
If applicable, offer directions to useful resources
for the mentee
for the mentee
Keep your time commitments.
When you are not able to keep a time commitment, communicate that to your mentor as soon as possible.
Speak up for your needs in a constructive and timely fashion.
Respond promptly to communication received.
Keep your mentor up to date on your progress.
Reach out for help when you need it.
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