By Damon Pridgeon and Stacey Aggabao
Warm greetings to our esteemed community of healthcare leaders! As we embrace the challenges and transformations that the final quarter of the year brings, our focus this month is on the sacred bond of mentorship within the realm of healthcare. With the unique intricacies and responsibilities that our sector demands, the guidance between mentor and mentee becomes ever more pivotal. Whether you’re shaping the future surgeons, researchers, or administrators, we’re here to support your commitment to ensuring the next generation rises to the challenge. Let’s embark on this journey of mutual growth and mentorship together. Here are some ways to ensure that you’re the best mentor/mentee you can be! Remember– you get out what you put in!
The Art of Being a Good Mentee
- Active Listening: Actively listen to your mentor. They’ve treaded the path you’re on, so take notes and absorb their insights.
- Be Curious: Ask questions. It shows your eagerness to learn and helps clarify doubts. There are no silly questions.
- Set Clear Goals: Understand what you want from the mentorship. Whether it’s skill acquisition, career advice, or personal development, having a direction helps your mentor guide you better.
- Show Initiative: Take the lead in setting up meetings, following through on tasks, and showing proactive behavior.
- Feedback is Gold: If something isn’t working, or if you found a particular session particularly beneficial, communicate this to your mentor.
- Commitment: Respect the time and knowledge your mentor is sharing. Be punctual, prepared, and engaged during your meetings.
The Art of Being a Good Mentor
- Active Listening, Part II: Just as with mentees, mentors should also listen more than they speak. Understand your mentee’s needs, aspirations, and challenges.
- Guidance, Not Handholding: Your role isn’t to do things for your mentee but to guide them, providing insights and perspectives they might not have considered.
- Share Stories: Oftentimes, personal anecdotes and experiences can teach more than generic advice. Share your journey – the good and the bad.
- Provide Constructive Feedback: Constructive criticism helps growth. Ensure your feedback is specific, actionable, and given with kindness.
- Commitment: Make time for your mentee. Consistency and reliability can make a world of difference in their journey.
- Encourage Independence: The end goal is to help your mentee become self-reliant. Encourage them to make decisions and be accountable for them.
The mentor/mentee relationship is invaluable and rewarding for both parties. Success is a two-way relationship. Be curious and inquire about non-related work experiences that shaped everyone. Be present and share what “success” means to each party. Understand specific challenges that may interfere with success and discuss how to diminish those boundaries. Do not be afraid to ask each other tough questions. Mentorship is a shared experience; you will both reap the rewards based on what you bring to the relationship.
