January is National Mentoring Month; a month dedicated to the importance of mentors and guidance for not only youth, but teens and adults as well. Mentoring is important, because it transfers not only necessary skills, but also knowledge gained from years of experience, success, and mistakes. Mentoring can provide a continual support net, where advice can always be sought. Socialization is important for building relationships and can assist in furthering one’s goals.
It is for these reasons, that 4-H prides itself on its wonderful efforts to bring mentoring to the youths in the community, and prides itself on being America’s largest youth development and mentoring organization. Mentoring with 4-H gives the youth and community a positive social space, where collaboration is safe and the youths are encouraged to explore their interests and learn new life skills. It is important to reach out and seek a mentor to help further oneself, as well as to be available and willing to mentor another, if the need be.
A Good Mentor Will:
- Listen and take a personal interest in your goals. These may be very specific or more broad, but it is important to understand the full breadth of what you wish to achieve.
- Set out expectations early. This is key to establishing a good open relationship, and assist the mentor in delivering sound advice.
- Be forthcoming and honest about the mistakes that have been made by both parties, have a constructive discussion.
- Lead by example. As a mentor, this is crucial to keeping the mentee’s faith.
- Celebrate achievements. Recognition for a job well done is essential for relationship building and positive reinforcement.
- Develop long-term skills. Create different thinking patterns, or introduce new work habits. These will carry through the mentee’s life even if the mentorship comes to an end.
- Have patience. Mentoring is about enhancing abilities and helping someone evolve into a greater version of themselves.
Delaware 4-H 