Mentoring Relationships

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In a recent article in Entrepreneur magazine, Ivan Misner wrote a an article entitled, "Become a Networking Mentor." Misner encourages the practice of mentoring and specifically suggests sharing networking strategies "...you've found successful" with others. He reiterates that teaching others is one of the most effective strategies for mastering a skill.

Then, he lists the "7 Characteristics of a Good Mentor," courtesy of Michael J. Freeman. Here they are:

1. A desire to help. Individuals who are interested in and willing to help others.
   
2. Have had positive experiences. Those who have had positive formal or informal experiences with a mentor tend to be good mentors themselves.
   
3. Good reputation for developing others. Experienced people who have a good reputation for helping others develop their skills.
   
4. Time and energy. People who have the time and mental energy to devote to the relationship.
   
5. Up-to-date knowledge. Those who have maintained current, up-to-date technological knowledge and/or skills.
   
6. Learning attitude. Individuals who are still willing and able to learn and who see the potential benefits of a mentoring relationship.
   
7. Demonstrated effective managerial (mentoring) skills. People who have demonstrated effective coaching, counseling, facilitating and networking skills.

One of the characteristics that I see missing in talented people who could otherwise be a great mentor, is #4 -- "Time and Energy." It's not that they don't have the time or energy. Unfortunately, they choose to spend their time/energy on other pursuits. Developing mentoring relationships seems to be a low priority. As a young leader, I can remember pursuing a mentoring relationship with multiple, older, more seasoned leaders. One politely declined and passed me on to another member of his staff ("It's not really my gifting...") and the rest enthusiastically responded with an emphatic "YES -- let's do this!" Sadly, the relationships fizzled soon after beginning because of missed appointments, appointments cut short, cell phones ringing during meetings, and a general lack of commitment.

Based on the 7 qualities listed above, do you see yourself as a mentor? Have you benefited from a relationship with somebody who meets these qualifications? Which characteristics do you see as most critical? How can we make mentoring a priority?