Mentoring Future Leaders

Mentoring Future Leaders
“I am usually quite willing to express a point of view or a plan of
action, an idea or behaviour. I would resist responding to a question
such as ‘What do you think of me?’ and challenge why the coachee
wanted to know. After all, it is just my ‘stuff’ and I am not there to
pass judgement. My judgement has no real validity or currency in
the relationship.” (1999, p.89)
Openness should be appropriate to the situation. If the mentee promised
to keep something confidential, this has to be respected. By sharing some
of his/her own mistakes and vulnerabilities, the mentor becomes more
human and approachable to the mentee.
Application
How much should mentors and mentees share with each other?
Where should you draw the line? Is it appropriate to stop a mentee
from sharing something with the mentor?
March 2005
4. Transparency
Transparency means that one’s intention is completely clear to the other
party. It also means being realistic about what you can or can’t do and to
refer the mentee to someone else when you are out of your depth.
Recording of mentoring sessions and any kind of feedback to the
organisation has to be discussed beforehand with the mentee.
Transparency in a mentoring session is demonstrated by using phrases
such as the following:
• “My intention in giving you this feedback is to broaden your
understanding.”
• “I am really sorry, I lost concentration.”
• “I’d like you to try this visioning exercise. I believe it will help clarify what
© Learning you really Link want.”
International
Module 3 - Building Trusting
Relationships
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