What do you do if your mentees lack innovation?

I have found that introverts need time to process and when introverted mentees are matched with extroverted mentors, the mentor does all the talking and the mentee can get overwhelmed with information. This is obviously just one variable that could cause a mentee who may not be engaged and may be afraid to share this with their talkative mentor. Extroverts may need to do more active listening vs doing all the talking. Both the mentor and mentee need to determine if it is the right style match. Ask lots of curious questions as to why they want mentoring, what is their intention for getting a mentor, how do they see mentoring working best for them, when has mentoring helped them in the past and what felt successful about that experience.

Sometimes collaboration on innovation is very productive. One way to do that is brainstorming ideas with my mentee. During this process my mentee and I would share all ideas that come to our mind. Then I would start asking some questions that will help generate more ideas or refine the current ideas. This works because when ideas are in our head we cannot visualize them or improve them. When they get out on paper or during a discussion more thoughts and ideas are triggered.

I always use games (ice-breakers) to help my mentees think outside the box. It allows them to be creative in a no-judgmental zone. Sometimes, it is just a fear of being "wrong" in their minds. Other times, it is that they have not had the opportunity for creativity due to an overstructured environment. Challenge your mentees to think like there IS NO BOX and make it a fun and creative session for them to engage and laugh.

To encourage your mentees to embrace innovation, lead by example and model these skills yourself. Share personal anecdotes, examples, and insights from your own journey to demonstrate how innovation and creativity have shaped your success. Create a supportive environment where experimentation is encouraged, allowing mentees to learn from their mistakes and refine their ideas. Equip them with resources and tools to ignite their creativity and problem-solving abilities. By embodying innovation and creativity in your mentorship approach, you can inspire your mentees to adopt a growth mindset and embrace new possibilities.

The first version of something is not always the best. You will need several drafts before you get the best version. That is why I always encourage my mentees to go with the first thought in their mind and execute it as they think of it the first time. Then we would sit and take a look at their work and re-evaluate and re-asses different ways to improve on it.

Motivation often comes from being interested or passionate about your topic, industry or the problem or issue that you are working on and the skills you are using. It is could to explore with the mentee how they can experiment and how from interest and skills/competences a motivation can be created. Good to explore also how the work of the mentee adds to a bigger picture - something that is useful for many people or the planet.

Feedback, feedback, feedback!!! Feedback is the best tool to learn anything. Always give it and always ask for it. Always learn how to make it constructive. It is a powerful tool and a double-edged sword. If its not constructive it hurts.

When your mentees lack motivation, it's crucial to approach the situation with empathy and understanding. Start by exploring their goals and aspirations to gain insight into their motivations. By identifying obstacles together, you can offer personalised support and encouragement. Clear expectations and achievable goals help structure their path, while celebrating progress boosts their confidence. Providing constructive feedback guides their growth, and exploring their passions reignites their enthusiasm. Incorporating visualisation and breathwork techniques can further enhance their motivation by helping them envision success and manage stress. Lead by example, showcasing your own dedication, and promote self-care to maintain balance.