the encouragement lounge: "Deepening the Mentoring Relationship"

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

"Deepening the Mentoring Relationship"

Here is some advice on how to develop and strengthen mentoring relationships. This is taken from "Power Mentoring: How Successful Mentors and Proteges Get the Most Out of Their Relationships" by Ellen Ensher and Susan Murphy.

"1. Develop a deep understanding of each other's work environment and issues.

2. Develop a mutual admiration society.

3. Treat each other as confidants instead of as competitors.

4. Be open to your partner's influence and ideas.

5. Help each other to focus on solvable problems.

6. Develop a relationship that is meaningful for both parties.

7. Consider the important role of gender, race, or generational differences in the relationship.

8. Know when to bring others into the mentoring network."

photo by HLS

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Working adult students, on my mind...

I hope this blog will be helpful to friends and others involved in a variety of endeavors. However, I created the blog with students in mind and continue to develop it with that specific group as my focus.

I believe that with the increase in evening, weekend, and low-residency programs, students are working more and more in isolation. If we were all full-time students on campus, we would have the informal support that comes with being able to go down the hall and talk with a colleague, etc. But instead, we are working late nights and weekends at home in front of the laptop.

With that in mind, I hope the encouragement lounge provides brief moments of respite and energizing connection. This does not at all replace valuable face-to-face contact. Many aspects of the academic journey can only be addressed via in-depth conversations with colleagues and teachers. And I would always rather sit down and talk with someone than to communicate online. Nonetheless, my aim is to give you one more channel for quick hits of support.