Mentors

We all know what a difference they can make in any professional’s life. Yet, in our experience, so many people, once they’ve agreed to serve as a mentor, suddenly realize that they have absolutely no idea what they’re supposed to do.

Here’s one recommendation: immediately hand them a copy of The Elements of Mentoring, by W. Brad Johnson and Charles Ridley (2004). It’s an amazingly fast read—I read it cover to cover on a cross-country flight. In 57 short (I’m talking two to three pages at most) chapters, the authors cover all the big topics, including what good mentors do, characteristics of excellent mentors, managing the relationship with the protégé and what to do when something goes wrong.

The book’s content is exceedingly strong. I gave it a “four highlighters,” rating. Know what some of your mentors will like most? At the end of each chapter, key concepts are listed in bullet point format. This book may be the answer to any mentor you have who is particularly short on time.

By the way, are you interested in who mentored some celebrities? Click here and you’ll learn that Oprah Winfrey, Tom Brokaw and Antwone Fisher all name an elementary school teacher as among the most important mentors in their lives!

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