As with most things in life, mentoring must follow certain guidelines to yield the greatest results. But, according to US-based corporate consultant, Bill Wright - who has mentored in several parts of the world as the vice-president of field services for an international franchise company - the rules of mentoring are universal. He outlines them as follows:
WHAT TO DO
Be available
If you are mentoring someone, you must be accessible and so must they. Availability means teaching when there is structure, but - more importantly - when there is not. Availability must be reciprocal. Both the mentor and mentee must make the time and effort to meet and reach goals.
Encourage transparency
Mentors must be willing to expose their own strengths and weaknesses. Vulnerability requires a 'safe' relationship. Transparency that is rewarded with judgment, instead of being seen as a teaching opportunity, will cause the mentee to feel guarded in the relationship.
Remain a student