The following resources can help you be a more successful mentor. They provide general information on mentoring do's and don'ts, how to manage critical issues, understand diversity, communicate effectively, and more.
Please note that Owen Consulting cannot be responsible for the content of external websites. The information below is provided to support mentors enrolled in formal, supervised mentoring programs and should not be considered a substitute for professional mentor training and supervision.
Mentoring Do's and Don'ts [PDF]
A list of some general mentoring guidelines - make sure you're aware of guidelines specific to your own program.
Guide for New Mentors [PDF]
This downloadable guide published by North West Regional Education Laboratories focuses on 10 effective relationship strategies for mentors.
Stages of a Mentoring Relationship [PDF]
This is a helpful outline of the general stages of a mentoring relationship and includes tips for putting closure on a match.
Helpful Communication Skills [PDF]
Learn about “active listening,” “I statements,” and other techniques for fostering better communication between you and your mentee.
Roadbocks to Effective Communication [PDF]
What NOT to do when talking to your mentee: This page describes communication styles that could make building a relationship more challenging.
Exploring and Appreciating Diversity [PDF]
Many if not most mentoring pairs come from different backgrounds- this overview provides tips for understanding and navigating issues surrounding cultural diversity.
Recognizing Trouble Signs [PDF]
Mentors might not be able to solve certain mentee problems, but can make a difference. Your most important roles are listening, understanding and being aware. Be sure to contact your program coordinator immediately if you suspect that your mentee might be struggling with issues surrounding their safety.
Talking with Kids about War and Terrorism
It's not uncommon for young people to be feeling fear and uncertainty over the war in Iraq and recent terrorist attacks. This link can help you to talk through your mentee's concerns with them and provide appropriate guidance and reassurance.
Mentoring Sexual Minority Youth [PDF]
This guide provides an overview of special considerations and general advice for mentoring gay, lesbian, or transgender youth. Go to pages 38-40 for specific mentoring tips.
Building Assets in Young People
The Search Institute, a leading social research and training organization, has identified forty developmental assets that children and teenagers need in order to make wise decisions, choose positive paths, and grow up competent, caring, and responsible. The site explains how you can help foster the development of these assets in your mentee.
Mentoring Research
Public/Private Ventures is widely recognized as a leading source for current mentoring research. Their free, downloadable manuals and reports can provide you with excellent information and advice on how to be an effective mentor.
"Be a Better Mentor"
This link to the National Mentoring Partnership will provide you with invaluable mentoring tips and information, including methods for assessing your mentoring skills, an outline of the mentoring lifecycle, effective communication and listening skills, tips on setting goals and planning activities, and more.
Your Recommended Links
If you have a link that you think would be a good mentoring resource, please send it to us and we will consider adding it to this page. In your message, please briefly explain how the link has been helpful to you as a mentor and send it to us at the following address: information@owenconsulting.com.
