How to be an Effective Mentor (Part 1 of 2)
September 3rd, 2007This cast describes how to be an Effective Mentor. [We released two previous casts on how to be mentored: Basics of Mentoring - Part 1 and Basics of Mentoring - Part 2]
In a departure from our normal planning, Mark wrote this week’s show based on his strong response to a recent WSJ article, “Career Mentors Today Seem Short on Advice But Give a Mean Tour”, published 28 August in the Cubicle Culture column (normally written by Jared Sandberg, this week by Elizabeth Holmes). Basically the article says that mentors don’t do a good job and described some of the more pitiful efforts.
[We’re pretty sure you can get the article free by clicking here: Career Mentors Today Seem Short on Advice But Give a Mean Tour]
The state of mentoring today is pathetic. It’s pathetic at least in part because the state of management is pathetic as well. Too many companies ask mentors to do what managers ought to be doing: coaching, guiding, giving candid feedback, providing career guidance, preparing for promotions, helping create networks of associates and resources. A good manager does ALL that.
But we’ve decided that rather than just rail at what exists, we’ll finally deliver the second half of our pair of mentoring casts: How to be an Effective Mentor.
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September 3rd, 2007 at 8:13 pm
Great Idea for the Podcast. It seems like mentorship is almost becoming a buzzword. For that reason it can be very difficult to break out of an assigned mentorship, you mentioned that if the connection isn’t there you can’t make it happen. I wonder if the next Podcast will address how to tell your boss that the mentor-mentee relationship doesn’t exist without assigning blame.
September 4th, 2007 at 12:51 am
I remember reading that article and thinking, “boy, Mark is going to have a field day with this one in a blog post.” Nice to see you go one better and do a couple of podcasts. Everyone knows that mentor relationships work great when they come naturally, it’s amusing that corporate America tried to force them into existance. It’s like company picnics and other “corporate imposed fun.” You can’t make mentorship (or fun or team building) happen, all you can do is make the environment conducive to it.
September 4th, 2007 at 11:55 am
I’m really looking forward to this cast. I found an electronic copy of that article and passed it around to several friends and collegues around the office as well as upper management. Once I’ve digested this cast I’m sure I’ll have some input. Awesome topic guys!
September 5th, 2007 at 8:51 pm
BTW Mike, the link to the article is free.
September 6th, 2007 at 9:43 am
Wheeler — I’m confidant Mark and Mike would say not to say anything to your boss. I’m at the MT Conference and last night they were very clear to never give your boss feedback or try to manage your boss. I believe there’s a podcast with more details. I’d suggest looking for another mentor (after listening to the mentoring ‘casts) and say nothing to your boss.
September 9th, 2007 at 10:21 pm
Manager Tools - Tools for Leaders and Managers…
Manager Tools - Tools for Leaders and Managers I recently had the opportunity to attend a conference……
September 11th, 2007 at 11:54 pm
Regarding the comment - never give your boss feedback or try to manage the boss:
Bosses study the habits of their effective directs. One manages ones boss by being an example.
During an informal chat with you boss and when your boss brings up a topic, one can influence the boss with a 30 second pitch.