The DO’S and DON’TS of MENTORING

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THE DO’S

  • Be a friend
  • Get to know them, ask questions, be interested
  • Understand their story when they are ready to share it
  • Be patient, trust takes time
  • Explore solutions
  • Be encouraging. Validate the good. Celebrate the positive
  • Show compassion, offer support
  • Point them to needed resources
  • Establish boundaries
  • Give them space to learn from their choices
  • Be patient and understanding
  • Be curious and open to their perspective
  • Listen and share life experiences

THE DON’TS

  • Don’t be a parent, don’t overwhelm with advice
  • Don’t be apathetic about getting to know them
  • Don’t judge
  • Don’t tell them what to do, allow them to reach their own conclusions.
  • Don’t try to rescue, be a presence in their life.
  • Help them consider consequences for choices
  • Don’t be critical or focus on the negative
  • Don’t try to shield them from consequences
  • Don’t solve the financial crisis
  • Don’t feel responsible to meet every need
  • Don’t micromanage
  • Don’t expect immediate improvements
  • Don’t assume you know the all the answers
  • Don’t do all the talking