One-to-one Mentoring

Do You Have What It Takes to Be a Successful Mentor?

Qualities of a Successful Mentor
Mentors come from different backgrounds, levels of education, and social situations—all of which contribute to helping a student. But certain other attributes can greatly contribute to the success of the mentoring relationship. While each youth and each relationship is different, the qualities listed below are typically common among successful mentors.

Commitment. Mentors have to be invested in the mentoring relationship over a long enough period of time (one-year minimum) to make a positive impact.
Respect. Mentors who convey a sense of respect and equal dignity in the relationship win the trust of their mentees and the privilege of being advisors to them.
Ability to listen. Mentors often help simply by listening, asking thoughtful questions, and giving mentees an opportunity to explore his or her own thoughts with a minimum of interference.
Empathy. Good mentors can feel "with" people without feeling pity "for" them, even without having had the same life experiences.
Problem-solving. Good mentors are able to make sense of a seemingly jumbled mix of issues and point out sensible, realistic alternatives without making decisions for their mentees.
Flexibility and openness. Good mentors recognize that relationships take time to develop and that communication is a two-way street. They are willing to take time to get to know their mentees, to learn new things that are important to their mentees (music, styles, and philosophies), and even to be changed by their relationship.

One-to-one Participant Responsibilities

Mentor Responsibilities:

to make contact with mentee once per week (consistency/dependability)
to keep all appointments and promises
to make the student feel valued and special (build good self-esteem)
to show unconditional respect and regard for the mentee and his/her family
to provide activities that will broaden the mentee's life experiences (through cultural, social, and recreational activities)
to expect and encourage the mentee to strive for academic excellence and graduate from high school (monitor academic progress and attendance)
to help the mentee set realistic, attainable goals
to expose the mentee to the world of work and college

Mentee Responsibilities:

to be courteous, honest, and respectful to mentor at all times
to keep all appointments with mentor
to communicate with mentor regularly (once per week)
to work towards the goals established with the mentor
to work to achieve academic excellence
to attend school every day and graduate from high school
to express appreciation to the mentor for sharing time and resources (never asking for or expecting money)
to aspire to become an independent, successful, and productive adult
to communicate with the school mentor coordinator regularly to discuss the progress of the relationship