Creating tools for mentoring

Utilize a central storage location, such as your group’s google drive.

Create folders which represent the breadth of knowledge needed.

Give each document a clearly identifiable title based on its purpose. A useful way to organize files can be by applying some form of systematic nomenclature.

Make information easy to find and put it in locations where people are likely to look for it.

Provide links to websites where useful reference sources can be found. Post these in a functional, shared location. If there is some risk of source website changes, consider downloading a copy of the content and saving it in a group access folder.

Document procedures that will be needed, by all group members and/or by those working on unique projects.

Test new documentation of procedures by having your newest group members run through them. Then revise based on questions those users asked while applying these documents.

Design a sequence of procedures that will take a trainee through the skills and techniques that they are going to need for their projects in general.

In the case of training, whether on synthesis or instrumental use, generate a sequence of procedures your research group knows well so that when a trainee performs them and encounters an issue, the source can be identified, whether it’s materials, equipment, or technique.