[blox_row][blox_column width=”1/1″][blox_heading title=”When you mentor, are you a teacher or a “teller”? ” size=”h3″ style=”style5″ animation=”none”][/blox_heading][blox_text animation=”none”] One of the 8 Dimensions in the Circle of Life we’ve labeled Creative, Innovative, Designful, Playful. It may be one of the most forgotten, and yet, the most important of the dimensions of LDG’s mentoring model. Dare I add that the best of mentors are “imagination makers” and not just tellers? The best of mentors, anywhere, are also teachers who listen long before they speak. Advice may be given eventually, but we must listen with curiosity. Then be ready to ask questions that uncover the mentoree’s imagination. No matter the age of the person being mentored. No matter the culture, education, economic standing, the best of mentors are teachers. Like the best of teachers, they ignite the imagination, most often through questions…often left unanswered in order to be explored.
- The mentor as teacher invites curiosity by how they ask questions.
- The mentor as teacher listens not just to words but to feelings.
- The mentor as teacher nurtures exploration in each dimension.
- The mentor as teacher encourages the mentoree to stretch beyond what they think possible.
- The mentor as teacher applauds the knowledge, not just gained, but put to use.
- The mentor as teacher celebrates the discovery of new paths of living well.
- The mentor as teacher digs in to keep growing themselves in all 8 of their own dimensions of life.
This TED talk gives a timely sense of encouragement to all of us who long to mentor as teachers who do make a difference. At home. At work. At our place of worship. At a place in the community that needs the help that you can bring.
Watch.
Learn.
Absorb.
Explore.
Share.
Celebrate.
These are potent steps for you becoming one the best of mentors. [/blox_text][/blox_column][/blox_row]