KMC 6) - RESPECT (Part 1)

Key Mentorship Characteristics (KMC) #6) - "RESPECT" (Part 1)

1) RESPECT - the characteristic of respect in mentorship is exhibited when one or both parties shows and appreciates that there can be a mutual commitment between them to nurture and develop the relationship.

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 RESPECT within a mentoring relationship?

•       What does RESPECT mean to you?

•       How is RESPECT developed between the mentoring partners?

   

RESPECT within Mentorship has dual application. First, it's an appropriate expression of appreciation or deep sense of admiration for someone, 'earned' by virtue of their recognized abilities, quality of character, or lifetime achievements. At the same time, we recognize that mutual RESPECT should exist within Mentoring relationships. In positive mentoring partnerships, both parties will be learning and growing as a result of their interactions. It's important to be flexible, open and adaptive to learn from each other. While it's easy to assume that it is the Protégé who learns from the Mentor, many Mentors have also experienced growth within a dynamic mentorship relationship!  

 
Now - here is a special segment that we've selected from our friends, respected professionals and experts who are familiar with this subject ...

 

Dr. Donald M. Carmont - author "The Naked Mentor"

Dr. Don Carmont - A leadership catalyst and executive coach, Don has taken his message through teaching, leadership training, writing and public speaking to hundreds of thousands of people in nearly thirty countries. His book, The Naked Mentor, after rave reviews is now in its second printing. Don has inspired participants from more than 10,000 organizations in public seminars throughout Canada, the US, the UK and Asia.

Website: http://www.drcarmont.com/ 

I like what my friend Don Carmont's wrote in his book, "The Naked Mentor"

Mentoring Principle Twenty-Nine
When mentoring is mutual, both parties are simultaneously mentor and protégé. The lines are blurred between mentor and protégé, and there is no longer a need to define them. The learning may be realized on the spot or after the fact. Mutual mentoring occurs as an intimate relationship of respect, equity, and reciprocity. There is a synergy that is achieved in mutual mentoring where one plus one equals more than two.                   Source: "The Naked Mentor" (Page 197)

Thanks Don for this shedding some additional light and perspective on this aspect of Mentorship. Mutual RESPECT is foundational to the long-term success of the mentoring relationship!


Here are a few related thoughts that speak to the importance of RESPECT within a MENTORING relationship.

The mark of true PROFESSIONALISM goes beyond attaining and maintaining HIGH STANDARDS of EXCELLENCE. Having met a number of high-achievers, I think I'm really more impressed with those who have not only achieved those significant levels of recognition, and have somehow managed to not allowed that success to become a barrier between themselves and those around them.
 
A true professional will be noticed as we walk along the road of life. It’s about treating others with RESPECT and DIGNITY, regardless of our position. It's about having a good understand of true stewardship, and the prudent use of limited available resources in order to manage them for future generations. 

 

NOW - Please feel free to share your comments and experiences with this aspect of 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 RESPECT within a mentoring relationship?

•       What does RESPECT mean to you?

•       How is RESPECT developed between the mentoring partners?