Sponsored in memory of David Mouckley. An exemplary past president of JVS of Greater Toronto and an inspirational role-model for volunteers helping newcomers. (funded by his caring friend Michael Shulman)

SPRING - THE PERFECT TIME TO RENEW YOUR COMMITMENT!

In celebrating the four wonderful seasons that we experience in Canada, familiar themes and images define the distinctiveness and beauty of each time of the year.  Without a doubt, the predominant theme of spring is rebirth and renewal.  Perhaps spring is an appropriate time to renew your passion and commitment to mentoring.

As a mentor, and as a person who has studied the topic of mentoring, there are some very common questions that I have encountered both personally and from other mentors.  One shared concern most mentors have is their ability to provide effective guidance to their mentee.  It isn't unusual to hear mentors wonder if they're having an impact on their mentee?  If you wonder about this yourself, here are some thoughts that may allay your concerns: 

• Not all mentee express their gratitude easily.  Even though you may be helping them enormously, they may not always communicate their thanks immediately.
• Not every encounter with your mentee has to be task or decision oriented.  Sometimes, all your mentee needs is to know that you're there, offering support.   
• Even if it appears that your mentee is not listening to what you're saying, they are indeed taking it all in.  Many mentors are surprised when their mentee make reference to something that was discussed in previous interactions, having assumed that their mentee wasn't observing or interested.
• Don't be disappointed if you don't see instant results.  Your mentee's success and the success of your mentoring relationship will grow over time.
• Remember that the best gift you can give is your time.  Even though a good mentor will provide concrete information and solutions when possible, it is the commitment of time that matters most!

In your renewed passion and commitment to being a mentor, it's important to realize that all it takes to start is time and presence.  Be there.  Listen.  Respond.  Show you care.  Eventually, the important wisdom, information and solutions will follow as surely as summer follows spring.

Joanne Collins is a CanadaInfoNet mentor as well as a mentor with the City of Toronto's "One on One" mentoring program

MENTOR'S CORNER

Tips for Effective Mentoring

Trust is critical to the mentoring relationship.  Some relationships take longer to establish trust than others.  There is no set time period in which trust develops, but any good mentor knows that it is a gradual process.  Here are some other attributes of good mentors:

• Involving your mentee in deciding how you will work together
• Respecting your mentee's uniqueness and worldview
• Understanding that your mentee must be empowered and take ownership of his/her challenges
• Being consistent
• Understand that the relationship may be "one sided" at times, and that often, you must take initiative to get the ball rolling
• Understand that ultimately, your mentee must choose the course of action that is right for him/her, even if it may not sit well with you

 Twelve ways to Ensure you FAIL as a mentor  

• Check in with your mentee when you feel like it.  Don't worry about consistency.
• Remember that your time is more important than theirs.
• Pretend that you know what's best for your mentee - ignore what they say they need.
• Remind them of how much bigger your problems are than theirs.
• Tell your mentee how smart you are and how much they have to learn from you.
• Make all the decisions about what you and your mentee will be talking about.  Remember that you must always set the agenda.
• Tell them about YOUR problems every time you connect.
• Never laugh with them or lighten up.  Mentoring is a serious business!
• Tell them how lucky they are to have you as a mentor.
• Remember that you always have the correct answers and that you never make mistakes.  Show no weakness! 
• Never ask them for feedback about whether you are an effective mentor - of course you are!
• Tell them how horrible they are if they ever disagree with you or if they don't take your advice. 

The above list was meant in good humour only.  We know that Canadainfonet mentors are positive and professional in every way!

CAREER STRATEGIES

The Art of Goal Setting

Goal setting is an integral step to achieving our aspirations and dreams.  Goal setting is often a neglected part of the career development process.  Here are some goal setting guidelines that you can use to help your mentee,  as well as yourself:

• First, define your goals.  Write down a list of your top three, five or ten goals.
• Make goals concrete and measurable. Try to qualify and quantify.  Get as specific and concrete as possible. You should be able to answer the question: how will I know when I've met my goals?
• Break each goal down into small steps, or "sub goals"
• Create realistic timeframes for each step, and record them down
• Take action, and renew goals on a constant basis
• Review and make changes as necessary

SELF MARKETING 101

Networking Do's And Don'ts

(Adapted From "Dig Your Well Before You're Thirsty" By Harvey Mackay) 

• Do try to recognize the differences among people in your network.  Ask people who like to be in control for their opinions.  Ask team players to help you solve problems.
• Don't expect every contact you make to give you an immediate return.  It takes awhile to find the gems.  It may take even longer to polish them.
• Do try to renew valuable contacts even when you've waited too long.  It isn't necessary to do it all at once.  Start by making a phone call just to say hello, then follow up with a face-to-face meeting.
• Do change your approach for each of your networks.  This isn't hypocritical.  You wouldn't ask your clergyman to join your Friday night poker game.
• Don't stay with one group exclusively.  Expand your horizons or you'll stagnate.
• Do learn to listen.  Listening is the most valuable tool you can use to enrich your relationship with others.
• Do use other people's time constructively.  Staying in touch does not mean making a pest of yourself.
• Do be prepared to return any favour given you.  Better yet, anticipate the request by doing something unasked.

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