MORE - "Stories that Mentor"

"Stories that Mentor" - One Year Later!

It's hard to believe that a year has passed since we started this unique series of video clips on our YouTube Channel.   "Stories that Mentor" - is focused on gathering a wide variety of stories that convey a deeper level of wisdom and learning to audiences. Not surprisingly, these short video clips have also been some of our most popular!

 

Several stories are still in the works, but our most prolific story teller has been my friend, Dan Jelinski (Wisdom Speaks). Dan is a gifted storyteller, who continues the passing on of wisdom through oral tradition - story telling!  

It was also a privilege to spend some time with Dr. David Clutterbuck, one of the very early pioneers of mentoring and coaching. David has authored 55 books, a third of them on coaching and mentoring themes! David co-founded the European Mentoring and Coaching Council and chairs the International Standards for Mentoring Programs in Employment.

Here is a quick recap of the wonderful stories we have collected for this series to date. Simply "click" on the title of the story to view the short video:

       David Clutterbuck - "A Promise Kept"    
       Dan Jelinski - “Everyday Heroes” 
       Dan Jelinski - “Bundle of Sticks” 
       Dan Jelinski - “The Elder and the Fireweed” 
       Dan Jelinski - “Nothing More Than Nothing”

Thank you once again David and Dan, for sharing your stories with this audience. 

More video clips on the broader topic of Mentorship can be seen on our YouTube Channel:  http://www.youtube.com/user/ProvisionMentorship

YOUR COMMENTS: If you've learned something from one of these videos, please share your insights. 

ALSO, if you've got some additional suggestions or links to other great "Stories that Mentor," we'd be delighted to hear from you.

TIPS for Improving the Relationship

Have you had a Mentor in the past?  Was that experience helpful?

How can the Relationship between a 

Mentor and Mentee be Improved?

 

If you've watched any of the video interviews that we've done with dozens of people who have experienced Mentorship you know that the process works!

* Haven't seen them yet?  Click here to view them when you've got a moment, and then come back to this BLOG Post to provide us with your comments to one of the key questions that we've asked those we've interviewed.

We're looking forward to hearing from you and sharing your comments to our audience.

To get you started, here are a few comments that we've picked up from some of our earlier interviews with people. What other comments might you add? 

BTW - Simply 'Click' on their name to view the video interview with that person.

Dave Abday suggests having regular assessments along the way. Understand when it’s time to move on to another source of input, although, a relationship often continues well into the future.

Peter Langford-Jones says that listening and understanding are the most important keys to a successful mentoring relationship. Trust evolves out of the relationship – it grows out of mutual respect, and trust can't be imposed.  

Grant McDowell recommends having a common idea of the objectives for the relationship. He talks about the value of using a Mentoring Agreement, either written or verbal. He also provides an example of parents connecting in a mentoring relationship. Grant suggests there is need for a clear understanding and agreement on the time frames, and that you have an exit plan for when the official mentoring period is over. When the goals for the Mentoring meetings have been achieved, the formal program is over!

Tony Bishop recommends the development of listening skills, and learning about the other person. Find some common ground that connects the two of you together. Come prepared for your meetings, even consider sending an e-mail or phoning ahead of time to confirm what will be discussed. Tony offers several practical suggestions to help those involved in both sides of the Mentoring relationship.