KMC 5) HONESTY (Part 2)

KMC 5) HONESTY (Part 2)

Key Mentorship Characteristics (KMC)

Please feel free to add your perspective on the role of “HONESTY” in Mentorship.

Share your experience with respect to this aspect of mentorship and invite others to participate where you feel they could add value to our discussion.

We asked:
• What is the role of HONESTY within a mentoring relationship?
• What does HONESTY mean to you?
• How is HONESTY developed between the mentoring partners?

It’s said that HONESTY is the best policy! And to be honest with you we believe that honesty between the individuals involved in a mentorship relationship is critical to a successful mentoring relationship. Without the ability to freely express what is happening, what you are feeling, your hopes, dreams and aspirations, as well as the things that you fear – the effectiveness of the relationship is significantly diminished.

As a cautionary note - Being HONESTY doesn't require that you also be brutal. A little HONESTY goes a long way! We've found that kindness and gentleness are most welcomed in the application of HONESTY.

In being HONEST, we need to emphasize that while it’s important to be supportive, recognize that in the mentoring relationship, neither party is taking on the role of psychologist, social worker or spiritual caregiver! The role within a healthy mentoring relationship is that of a supportive, encouraging friend, a sounding board and confidant in a mutual, growing relationship. Suggest professional help where it may be appropriate.

Also, in keeping the relationship HONEST, attempt to resolve problems immediately, and follow through on your commitments. Keep the lines of communications open in order to maintain the relationship. It’s very difficult if not impossible to repair a relationship if issue remains hidden. It’s much more productive to address a situation early, resolve it and move forward.

Finally, and most importantly - enjoy the journey! While mentorship is a developmental relationship, it should still be fun, for both Mentor and Mentee/Protégé.

NOW it's YOUR TURN! - Please feel free to share your comments and experiences with respect to this aspect of mentorship.

WHAT'S been your experience with respect to HONESTY within MENTORSHIP?

Also, help us to reach others who could benefit from participating in this discussion. We welcome your 'sharing' this page with those in your circle of contacts!

KMC 5) HONESTY (Part 1)

KMC 5) HONESTY (Part 1)

Key Mentorship Characteristics (KMC)

Please feel free to add your perspective on the role of “HONESTY” in Mentorship.

Share your experience with respect to this aspect of mentorship and invite others to participate where you feel they could add value to our discussion.

We asked:
• What is the role of HONESTY within a mentoring relationship?
• What does HONESTY mean to you?
• How is HONESTY developed between the mentoring partners?

When it comes to HONESTY within a Mentoring relationship, here are a couple of Tips that if followed, should result in a better Mentorship for both the Mentee and the Mentor! 

We encourage both the Mentor and Mentee to make genuine efforts to be genuine! Share some insights regarding yourself with your Mentor or Mentee. Get to know the other person, where they’ve been and what they’ve experienced. Be prepared to open up and let your personality shine, in addition showing the professional you! Help the other person discover some of your personal attributes, dreams, personal goals, strengths, as well as some of those areas you still want to improve!

In the process of getting to know each other, early in the relationship, exchange a little information about each other, your family backgrounds, career paths and what has brought you to this point in life. Let the other person know about what is important to you, what you enjoy doing and what you find challenging. It’s okay to be genuine. None of us is perfect. Where differences exist, look for opportunities to break down barriers and build bridges, by being real.

As with genuine friendships, honest and open relationships between a Mentor and Mentee start with an understanding of the expectations within those relationships.

Where there is HONESTY, you will find a foundation for TRUST to be built. Where there is trust, you will also find TRANSPARENCY - with no hidden agenda.

Here’s a suggestion - Work with your Mentor/Mentee and begin to create an atmosphere where they can feel comfortable expressing their feelings, their hopes, and their dreams. When we do this, we cultivate a landscape that is positive and ready for growth – with the proper attention, it could become a healthy and productive garden!

NOW it's YOUR TURN! - Please feel free to share your comments and experiences with respect to this aspect of mentorship.

WHAT'S been your experience with respect to HONESTY within MENTORSHIP?

Also, help us to reach others who could benefit from participating in this discussion. We welcome your 'sharing' this page with those in your circle of contacts!

KMC 4) INTEGRITY (Part 2)

KMC 4) INTEGRITY (Part 2)

Key Mentorship Characteristics (KMC)

We invited our friends and readers to add their perspective on the role of “INTEGRITY” in Mentorship.

Please feel free to share your experience with respect to this aspect of mentorship and invite others to participate where you feel they could add value to our discussion.

We asked:

• What is the role of INTEGRITY within a mentoring relationship?

• What does INTEGRITY mean to you?

• How is INTEGRITY developed between the mentoring partners?

We've had so many great comments that have come in on the topic of TRUST within Mentorship Relationships.

In March of 2013 we added a post to this BLOG that featured a portion of the interview that we had with Glenn Furuya, President & CEO at Leadership Works, LLC.  We met Glenn while in Honolulu, Hawaii and he graciously accepted our invitation to record our discussion regarding MENTORSHIP. In this segment, Glenn talks about something he calls, "The 3 - RITY" - and the role that Charity, Clarity and Integrity play within the mentoring relationship. These three characteristics are essential to building trust between the Mentee and the Mentor.

Profoundly insightful, Glenn highlights the "3 - RITY" in more detail:

Charity - the Mentee needs to know that the Mentor is coming from the right place, and that they have a genuine care for the well-being of the Mentee.

Clarity - The Mentee needs to know and appreciate that the Mentor can help them find clarity of direction, thought, and navigate their way through difficult times.

Integrity - The Mentee needs to see that the Mentor 'walks the talk' and that their values match their behaviours and actions.

CLICK HERE FOR A LINK TO GLENN'S DISCUSSION ON THE "3 - RITY".

 

FYI - Our full interview with Glenn Furuya can also be found on our YouTube Channel and a direct link to Glenn's full interview is provided by clicking HERE.

A CLOSING THOUGHT -

The reputation of a thousand years may be determined by the conduct of one hour. Japanese Proverb

NOW it's YOUR TURN! - Please feel free to share your comments and experiences with respect to this aspect of mentorship. 

WHAT'S been your experience with respect to INTEGRITY within MENTORSHIP?

Also, help us to reach others who could benefit from participating in this discussion. We welcome your 'sharing' this page with those in your circle of contacts!

Questions:

• What is the role of INTEGRITY within a mentoring relationship?

• What does INTEGRITY mean to you?

• How is INTEGRITY developed between the mentoring partners?