The Lost Art of Mentoring
I recently got hired as an adjunct instructor in the Business department at Indiana Wesleyan University’s College of Adult and Professional Studies in Cincinnati, Ohio. During the faculty orientation held earlier this month I was assigned a mentor who will guide me through my development as a learning facilitator at the university level. I was also encouraged to consider finding other instructors whom I can mentor, be it at the college or university level. This simple act spoke volumes to me. Mentoring is an art that has long been lost to so many leaders and it is a great encouragement to see that a University of Indiana Wesleyan’s calibre is committed to ensuring the existence of a strong mentor-ship environment.
What exactly is mentoring? Mentoring is simply a structured and trusting relationship that brings two individuals together, the mentor and the mentee. The mentor usually has more expertise, experience or knowledge and acts as a guide and coach to support and encourage the development of competence and character of the mentee. Mentoring is powerful because it enables the mentor to be of service in helping the mentee to unleash his or her potential. It also provides the mentor with an avenue through which he or she can expand influence and see the fruits of his or her labor come alive in another person’s life. Mentoring changes life. Every human being should not only have a mentor but should also mentor others to become all that they can be. Rediscover the power of mentoring by finding other individuals whom you can build mentoring relationships with.
