Great mentors aim for three things:

 

Tiny Victories

Every day can have small wins. Even small shifts in behavior can signal a trend towards greater improvements. Be sure to acknowledge these small victories to make certain that things continue to move in a positive direction.

One of the easiest ways to create tiny victories is to challenge someone to shift their orientation. Have them consider another perspective. This will build empathy, stimulate new ways of thinking and will begin to develop more open-mindedness.

 

Big Breakthroughs

Larger shifts in behavior and results become possible when we dare to take on our fears. Fear both big and small inhibit progress. Confronting fears, chipping away at them and finally demolishing them can create tremendous emotional release and open up completely new opportunities for growth.

 

The Capacity to Adapt

Darwin is famous for his quote that only the fittest will survive. However this quote has been taken out of context. Darwin went deeper to suggest that his definition of "fittest" really referred to one's ability to adapt. Darwin meant that we needed to be ready to change. Those of us that can adapt will thrive.

The greatest capacity we can develop in our process of mentoring/coaching is to help our mentees build the skills required for change.

 

Practice changing. Challenge paradigms. Question assumed truths.

 

Cheese is a fruit!

Don't tell me "no", tell me how.