How can you help mentees take more risks?

To support mentees in overcoming fear and taking risks, start by understanding the underlying barriers. Listen attentively, empathize with their concerns, and refrain from judgment or dismissal. Encourage open dialogue through probing questions that facilitate exploration of fear's origins and its impact on decision-making processes.

One of the biggest impacts a mentor can have is empowering a mentee to break through fears and barriers in order to achieve something new. Empower a mentee to reach new heights and achievements in their career journey by helping them identify obstacles and what may be holding them back.

Fear will birth from perceived danger or lack of information (which is a potential danger). If there is a risk, this means there is a danger. So fear makes sense. Asking a lot of questions allows mentees to understand themselves and prepare to deal with the consequences of their future actions and overcome fear. But sometimes, saying: "if you don't know, let's find out!" is enough to expand energy and make them ready to take action.

Encourage mentees to challenge their assumptions and beliefs surrounding risk-taking, probing whether they exaggerate negatives or underestimate positives. Guide them to discern between facts and opinions, and challenge self-limiting beliefs about competence or worthiness. Facilitate discussions to help them reevaluate assumptions and explore how altering perspectives can empower them to embrace opportunities more confidently.

I believe in my mentees, even when they don't. In my experience, validating their assumptions is more important than challenging them. I tell them they are right all the time, then I offer a different perspective or a tweak in the process that can create radical change in the outcome. Ultimately I invite them to test it. I can be wrong as well after all. Can I?

Some other ways to share your experiences can be: 1. Reflect on past challenges and how you overcome them 2. Share personal stories of taking calculated risks and the positive outcomes. 3. Make a supportive environment where you feel comfortable sharing their experiences, including both successes and failures

In the third step, draw upon your personal experiences to illustrate the benefits of risk-taking. Share anecdotes detailing how confronting fears, learning from setbacks, and seizing opportunities enriched your journey. Highlight the rewards, excitement, and personal growth that accompany stepping outside comfort zones, while acknowledging the inevitable challenges. Inspire mentees by demonstrating resilience and the transformative power of embracing risks as integral to personal and professional development.

I tell my stories to add authority to what I say. Using my story and "I" statements in a way that makes me relatable to my mentees allows them to open their mind, find sense and courage in taking action towards their desired goals.

I tell my stories from an I perspective because that is the only thing I can, with certainty, share. In doing so I open up the possibility of looking at life from a completely different perspective. This creates innovation and connection.

A mentee may be more inclined to take risks when they feel that they have the support of a mentor. They know they are not going on this journey alone and they have someone to talk to and check in with. Being a voice of encouragement during moments that matter can go a long way.