THE 3 Cs of MENTORING

There are so many individuals around who can be mentors. I am talking about the people who fit the criteria of a mentor; they check all the boxes. They have years of relevant experience, and are willing to help others grow, but something keeps holding them back from being mentors. And this causes for worry because they are resources that have been left untapped. Frankly, the world needs as many mentors as it can get. Mentors are the only hope we have of shaping the future we want today. This brings us to the question what holds people back from being mentors? What are they afraid of? Or what information do they lack? The answer to all of these questions is as simple as ABC. But ‘C’ most of all, summarizes the functions and responsibilities of a mentor. These are the 3 Cs of mentoring:

Consultant: Being a consultant is the first responsibility of a mentor. It comes with the package. As a mentor, it is your duty and responsibility to give expert advice and directives to your mentee. The first thing that qualifies you to be a mentor is your possession of relevant skills and knowledge. This means you are equipped with the right skillset to help a lesser experienced individual reach full potential.

Counselor: Listening is such an underrated skill. In mentoring it is one of the most important skills that a mentor has to possess. A mentor’s job is to listen and to guide. The human instincts to advice and air opinions kicks in from time to time, but sometimes you need to take the backseat and listen. You do not always have to provide the answers. There are some things your mentee needs to learn on their own. Listen and guide them, and give space for them to explore. Many a times, the consultant might want to kick in, but you need to know when to suppress it and when to allow it. A little bit of this and a little bit of that.

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger;

James 1:19

Cheerleader: Have you ever been to a football game, or perhaps seen one on TV? If you have, one of the things you would notice apart from the players are the spectators. Rows upon rows of football fans, all cheering for their team with songs and chants and shouts of victory; all for the purpose of encouraging the players. Now imagine the exact opposite of that scenario, it is a little hard to imagine right? Even with the new COVID-19 reality, screens were set up in the stadium so the players can see their fans and cheerers at home. This just shows the importance of having cheerleaders. There is nothing that assures an individual as knowing that they have someone in their corner rooting for them, cheering them all the way. As a mentor, apart from giving feedback, it is your job to encourage and cheer your mentee. Let them have confidence in your unwavering support for them. Celebrate their successes- no matter how big or small, and be there for them when they are down.

Being a mentor is not so hard after all. When in doubt, you just need to remember these 3 Cs- Consultant, Counselor and Cheerleader. None of the three is negotiable. To be a mentor, you need to possess all three.

Thank you for reading this far. What are your thoughts on these three characteristics? Or perhaps you have more to share. Please tell me in the comment box.