10 Essential Components of Mentorship

Last week, I had the pleasure of hosting a presentation titled "Creating Spaces for Black Male Educators to Foster Mentorship" with a few of my higher education colleagues: Tierney Bates, Ed.D. , Larry Waples , Laurence (Larry) Jackson III , and Kacheyta McClellan, MBA, CA (He/Him/His) . During this session, we shared how being included in spaces for all Black men is essential to professional well-being and an excellent incubator for fostering mentorship relationships. All the guests shared stories about how being included in spaces for Black men has helped them in their careers and given them a sense of belonging. Through these conversations, I captured a few key highlights I would like to share via this LinkedIn Article. ?

10 Essential Components of Mentorship?

1. Build a Personal Board of Advisors? It's important not to seek advice from just one type of person. Having a personal board of advisors allows you to tap into diverse experiences. Consider including:?

• Someone in your age bracket?

• An industry expert or professional?

• Someone older and more seasoned?

• Someone of a different gender?

• Someone of a different race or ethnicity?

2. Know the Difference Between Mentorship and Sponsorship? Understanding the difference between mentorship and sponsorship is crucial. A mentor provides guidance and helps troubleshoot issues, while a sponsor creates new opportunities and speaks your name in rooms where you’re not present. These roles often intersect but not always. Know how each can serve you in your career.?

3. Build Confidence in Others? Many seek mentorship because they’re unsure about the future. A mentor's critical role is to instill confidence in their mentees. This can take two forms:?

• Affirm their capability: "I can do this work."?

• Ensure they feel supported: "I have the support to be successful."?

4. Seek Information, Not Favors? The mentor-mentee relationship should be reciprocal and mutually beneficial. Seek information, not handouts or favors. Continuously asking for favors can burn bridges and make mentors less willing to help.?

5. Be Yourself: Be Genuine and Authentic? Don’t lose yourself in the process of gaining a mentor. Approach your mentor with authenticity and genuine interest. It's easy to see whether someone's intentions are thoughtful and respectful or disingenuous and agenda driven.?

6. Set Goals Together? Define the direction and objectives of the mentorship relationship collaboratively. Setting goals together ensures that the relationship is mutually beneficial and serves a purpose for both parties.?

7. Be Consistent? Consistency builds relationships and rapport. While daily communication isn't necessary, establish a system for regular contact, whether weekly, monthly, or bi-monthly meetings. Periodically check in to ensure the relationship flourishes and grows.?

8. Be Grateful and Show Appreciation? People are more likely to help when they feel appreciated. Show your gratitude through small gestures, such as a text, note, or thank-you card, to make your mentor feel valued and heard.?

9. Respect the Identities and Experiences of Others? Recognize that people come from diverse backgrounds and identities. Respecting these differences ensures a healthy relationship. Understand that advice may sometimes be general and does not account for systemic barriers. Empathy and support of each other’s experiences are key.?

10. Meet People Where They Are? Understand that life can be unpredictable, and people may face various challenges day-to-day. Provide the necessary space and grace, recognizing that inconsistent communication might not be personal but due to other commitments. Meet people where they are, supporting them thoughtfully and purposefully.?

I hope you find value in these gems shared during the panel. If you have any questions, don't contact me at [email protected]. Creating relationships to foster positive mentorship is very important to me. As the NACE Mentor of the Year, mentorship has played a critical role in my personal and professional life. I believe that everyone, regardless of age, sex, or gender, has the capability to be a mentor or mentee. All it takes is a mindset of service, gratitude, and a willingness to learn from others.?

?