How can you establish trust with a mentee in Large Group Facilitation?

2 Provide support and guidance

The second step to building trust with your mentee is to provide them with support and guidance throughout their learning journey. This means being available and responsive, giving constructive and timely feedback, offering resources and tools, and encouraging them to practice and reflect. You can also share your own stories and insights, and invite them to observe or join you in facilitating large groups. However, avoid being too directive or controlling, and respect your mentee's autonomy and choices. Instead of telling them what to do, ask them what they think, feel, and want to do.

3 Create a safe space

The third step to building trust with your mentee is to create a safe space where they can express themselves openly and honestly, without fear of judgment or criticism. This means being empathetic and attentive, listening actively and respectfully, acknowledging their emotions and concerns, and validating their experiences and perspectives. You can also use humor, praise, and appreciation to lighten the mood and boost their confidence. Moreover, you can model vulnerability and humility, and admit your own mistakes and challenges. By doing so, you can foster a culture of mutual learning and growth.

4 Respect their diversity

The fourth step to building trust with your mentee is to respect their diversity and uniqueness. This means being aware and sensitive of their cultural, social, and personal backgrounds, values, and beliefs, and avoiding stereotypes and assumptions. You can also seek to learn from their differences, and appreciate their contributions and insights. Furthermore, you can adapt your communication and facilitation styles to suit their preferences and needs, and use inclusive and respectful language and behaviors. By doing so, you can demonstrate your acceptance and appreciation of your mentee as a whole person.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

The fifth step to building trust with your mentee is to seek feedback and improvement on your own performance as a mentor and facilitator. This means asking your mentee for their opinions and suggestions on how you can support them better, and what they liked and disliked about your mentorship. You can also ask them to rate your skills and behaviors, and give you specific examples of what you did well and what you can improve. Moreover, you can act on their feedback, and show them how you have changed or implemented their ideas. By doing so, you can show your openness and willingness to learn and grow with your mentee.

6 Celebrate and acknowledge

The sixth and final step to building trust with your mentee is to celebrate and acknowledge their achievements and efforts in learning large group facilitation. This means recognizing and rewarding their progress and outcomes, and highlighting their strengths and improvements. You can also express your gratitude and satisfaction for their participation and engagement, and share your positive impact and influence on them. Furthermore, you can invite them to share their learnings and reflections with others, and showcase their work and results. By doing so, you can show your pride and admiration for your mentee, and inspire them to continue their development.