Truthfulness
A good mentor must be honest and truthful at all
times. You do not need anyone who flatters you as a mentor. Telling you the
truth to your face as a way of encouraging you is all that you need in a
mentor. A good mentor should always be truthful with the advice dispensed, even
if it stings a little. A straight-shooting mentor in the long run is always more
beneficial than someone who is constantly praising you.
Trustworthy
and Confidential
Mentors and Mentees relationship is best when based
on trust and confidentiality. The
relationship is stronger and most beneficial when these conditions exist. For
the mentorship to succeed, there must be a certain level of discretion and
trust. This is because mentees need to feel that they can talk to their mentor
about anything or any challenge they're facing, without fears of repercussion
or any form of loss or reprisals.
Generous
with Information
When you come across someone knowledgeable and
generous with that knowledge, you have a good mentor. That is because good
mentors are always willing to share what they know with their Mentees. They
willingly share information for the benefit of their Mentees and not for their
own personal glory or aggrandizement. Good mentoring takes time and commitment,
but both parties must set realistic expectations that are agreed upon ahead of
time. Mentees must however not take undue advantage over their mentors’ time
and privacy. That is what makes the relationship really beneficial.
