Mentoring with the Heart of a Host

Mentoring with the Heart of a Host

Being a protégé in a mentoring relationship can feel like having to give a speech before a large group. Now, there are exceptions, obviously. I do a lot of keynotes and I can’t wait to hit that stage. But, there is a lot of research that says people’s greatest fear is...
Life After Mentoring

Life After Mentoring

Effective mentoring relationships are rich, engaging, and intimate. But all such arrangements must come to an end, and no matter how hard we may try to avoid it, every ending has a bittersweet dimension. As Shakespeare so eloquently reminds us, “Parting is such sweet...
The Gift of Feedback

The Gift of Feedback

Franklin Jones wisely said, “Honest criticism is hard to take, particularly from a relative, a friend, an acquaintance, or a stranger.” How do you give feedback intended to fuel growth? Start by recognizing that while giving advice can surface resistance, giving...
Is Your Mentoring Daring?

Is Your Mentoring Daring?

The essence of mentoring is to help another person abandon his or her comfortable skill, knowledge or attitude to which that person currently clings in order to embrace new but uncomfortable competences.  That means the job of the mentor is to encourage the target of...
Lessons In Protégé Power:  Calming Your Anxious Heart

Lessons In Protégé Power: Calming Your Anxious Heart

Being a protégé can make you feel anxious.  You are essentially admitting you do not know stuff you need someone to help teach you.  And, if that relationship with a mentor is a new one, it can double the apprehension.  Being vulnerable in front of a stranger is not...