What Makes a Good Mentor A Great Mentor…

Most of us have had mentors in our lives, whether we were assigned them or they happened organically.  When we think about those mentors, some of them were great mentors and some were not; not because they did not care there just wasn’t that level of communication or advise that could have moved us to the next level.

Now most of my mentors did not look like me, i.e. were not African-American, so the added difference could have made it awkward.  However, in most cases it did not, because both parties kept an open mind and showed mutual respect, therefore we often found that we were more alike than different.

AmbKickoff_1014-1830As I became a mentor to others I tried to emulate the mentors who really had an impact on me. And as I think about this today, I know that the relationships that had the most impact on me were ones where I was learning from the mentor and I felt that the mentor was open to learning from me. For those of us, myself included, who had great mentors, we know there were certain characteristics that made them great and thus our relationship great!

I believe that GREAT mentors do the following:

1) Meet the mentee where they are (in their career or life).

2) Set clear expectations about the relationship (modes of communication, frequency).

3) Do not make assumptions about the mentee (such as upbringing, background, stereotypes).

4) Are great listeners.

5) Provide honest constructive feedback, even when it is hard!

6) Move past the happy talk to real conversations about opportunities and challenges.

7) Introduce the mentee to the mentor’s circle of colleagues and friends.

While I am sure you all do these things, being intentional about them and sharing expectations AmbKickoff_1014-1833based on these principles with your mentee will make the relationship more meaningful for both of you.  When I meet with a new mentee, for example, I tell them, “I want to help you build your career but I am a very busy person, so if you email me or call and I do not get back to you, email me again or call again.  I want to make things work, so help me, help you!”

I know you are all very busy people. But the opportunity you have to have an impact on a young lawyer and their career is huge!  Just by taking time, making a personal connection you increase our ability to not only attract and recruit but advance and retain young, talented individuals.  And that is a win win for the entire legal community!

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