Focus on Mentor Skills

Objectives:

• To describe personal strengths and weaknesses as a mentor.
  
• To identify other mentors with similar and/or different strengths and weaknesses.
  
• Set goals for improvement.

Skills:

• Builds trust
  
• Goal setting
  
• Networking
  
• Learning the role of the mentor
  
• Understanding expectations

Training Activity (Time: One hour)

1. Introduction

a. Review objectives.
b. Introduction of participants.
c. Review agenda for activities.

2. Writing

a. Distribute the form "Focus on Mentor Skills" to each person (form below).
b. Ask them to complete the form. Urge candor and honesty.

3. Small Group Discussion

a. Arrange people in groups of 3 – 7.
b. Have people share, briefly what they have written on the form.
c. There is a space to record what others say about themselves.
d. Have volunteers write what others say.
e. As people report out others can comment or offer suggestions.
f. Discussion ideas (post these on easel paper where they can be seen throughout the discussion):

• How did you learn to be___________.? Can you give me tips?
  
• When this happens (a negative item) how do you deal with it?
  
• Has anyone ever suggested you do things differently and if so, what did they suggest?
  
• Tell about books, video, training, or people that can help the person set goals to be a better mentor.

4. Large Group Debrief

a. Reassemble everyone into large group for discussion.
b. Ask these questions:

• Did you learn something new about yourself today?
  
• Did you meet someone who could help you as a mentor? Who and how?
  
• What goals did you set?
  
• How do you think this exercise will help you as a mentor?

5. Evaluation of Training

a. Distribute training evaluation form.