Mentors and mentees

I'm fortunate to have many mentors I can turn to when I need guidance, advice or direction. I seek their mentorship often.

Some of them know that I seek out their advice and happily offer their mentorship. Some of them don't even realize they are my mentors.

Some of my mentors are older and experienced while others are young and less experienced. Some of my mentors are entrepreneurs and businessmen, some are not. Yet they all contribute tremendously in the role of mentor.

I also have a responsibility to mentor others and do so with great joy. I believe we must share our knowledge and experiences to the benefit of others. 

Mentors and mentees have similar responsibilities when it comes to building a successful relationship. 

  A good mentor treats a mentee as a peer and expects nothing in return.

  A good mentee treats a mentor as a peer and expects guidance.

  A good mentor listens and tells the truth, even when it is hard.

  A good mentee listens and tells the truth, even when it is hard.

  A good mentor keeps shared information in confidence.

  A good mentee keeps shared information in confidence.

  A good mentor shows empathy.

  A good mentee is honest.

  A good mentor guides through asking the right questions.

  A good mentee asks direct questions.

  A good mentor knows there are no stupid questions.

  A good mentee knows there are no stupid answers.

  A good mentor is comfortable to say "I don't know".

  A good mentee is comfortable to say "I don't know".

  A good mentor helps to refine ideas.

  A good mentee gathers new perspectives.

  A good mentor learns from others mistakes.

  A good mentee learns from others mistakes.

And when the relationship is successful, both parties benefit from the experience. I do, in both roles.