20+ Ways to be a Great Mentor

1. Commit to at least one year with your mentee
2. Demonstrate to your mentee that you are consistent, dependable, and trustworthy
3. Consistently act in ways that are ethical to earn the trust of your mentee
4. Know the mission of your mentoring provider organization
5. Always follow the guidelines of your mentoring provider organization
6. Value the diverse economic, cultural, and religious traits of your mentee
7. Maintain regular contact with your mentoring provider organization to ensure effective mentoring practices
8. Have fun with your mentee as you learn together – mentoring should not be all work and no play
9. Do not criticize the staff or faculty of your mentoring provider organization in front of your mentee
10. Do less talking and more listening so your mentee can share his/her thoughts
11. Do not make inappropriate remarks about your mentee’s family
12. Be a positive role model in both word and deed
13. Never engage in inappropriate physical contact with your mentee
14. Maintain a cheerful and positive attitude with your mentee
15. Support community efforts to encourage volunteerism
16. Never violate the law or organizational codes of conduct
17. Keep conversations confidential between you and your mentee
18. Be an advisor, not a preacher
19. Be a sympathetic listener, not a psychologist
20. Be a friend, not a surrogate parent
21. Talk to a teacher, counselor, or the mentoring provider organization if your mentee has problems you cannot help with
22. Refrain from profanity or other inappropriate speech
23. Know that “thank you” may come in the form of a hug or a smile instead of words


compiled by Mentor Michigan