The primary resource of successful mentors is a knowledge of the norms, values and procedures of their institutions.  This knowledge is essential to mentees in meeting their objectives, but there are also personal characteristics which contribute to effective mentoring.  These include the ability to:

• Value the mentee as a person
• Develop mutual trust and respect
• Maintain confidentiality
• Listen both to what is being said and how it is being said
• Provide constructive feedback
• Help the mentee solve his or her own problem, rather than giving direction
• Focus on the mentee's development, and resist the urge to produce a clone

Successful mentor avoid negative criticism and confrontation and do not prevent mentees from taking reasonable risks in meeting their objectives.

*From the University of Manitoba
By Lois Hunt, Southeast Area Extension Education Director