Dos
of Mentoring
- Listen first.
Let the mentee do most of the talking.
- Show you’re listening—with
body language, nods, facial expressions, and good eye contact.
- Ask if they understand and explain things in different ways if needed.
- Allow pauses.
Don’t rush them—silence can be helpful.
- Reflect and confirm.
Show you understand by repeating back key points.
- Use their preferred communication style. Be flexible and inclusive.
- Stay focused.
Avoid distractions and stay on-topic.
- Be clear and direct.
Use simple, understandable language.
- Use open-ended questions. Encourage the mentee to think for themselves.
- Stick to what you know. Don’t mentor in areas you’re not confident in.
- Focus on their goals and needs. This is their journey.
- Point out areas for growth gently and constructively.
- Set a good example.
Be a role model in both words and actions.
- Support their independence. Let them learn by experience.
- Balance personal and professional support. Be human, but stay focused.
- Believe in their potential. Mentees may one day outgrow even the people who
mentored them.
Resource: Communicating with People with
Disabilities
❌
Don’ts of Mentoring
- Don’t try to solve all their problems. You’re a guide, not a fixer.
- Don’t do their work for them. Help them find solutions, don’t hand them over.
- Don’t let the relationship become just a friendship. Mentees still need to take responsibility for their
growth.
- Don’t ignore anxieties. It’s okay to talk about worries—mental health matters.
- Don’t use body language that shows disinterest. Yawning, checking your phone, or staring out the
window sends the wrong message. (Though let’s be real—everyone yawns
sometimes. The point is to stay engaged.)
- Don’t get distracted.
Stay mentally present.
- Don’t interrupt or rush the mentee. They may need extra time, especially if they have
disabilities. Be patient, or talk with your manager about allowing more
time.
- Don’t finish their sentences. Let them speak in their own words.
- Don’t be unclear.
Make sure you explain things properly and confirm their understanding.
Resource: [Mentoring Etiquette –
- 📄 Word Document – Mentoring_Guide_UK_US.docx
- 📕 PDF Document – Mentoring_Guide_UK_US.pdf
Let me know if you'd like a separate
document for the “Dos and Don’ts of Mentoring” next!
ere are your downloadable files for
the Dos and Don’ts of Mentoring guide:
- 📄 Word Document – Dos_and_Donts_of_Mentoring.docx
- 📕 PDF Document – Dos_and_Donts_of_Mentoring.pdf
Let me know if you’d like to combine
this with the earlier documents or need help with anything else!
Here are your downloadable files
containing both the UK and US versions of the mentoring guide:
- 📄 Word Document – Mentoring_Guide_UK_US.docx
- 📕 PDF Document – Mentoring_Guide_UK_US.pdf
Let me know if you'd like a separate
document for the “Dos and Don’ts of Mentoring” next!
ere are your downloadable files for
the Dos and Don’ts of Mentoring guide:
- 📄 Word Document – Dos_and_Donts_of_Mentoring.docx
- 📕 PDF Document – Dos_and_Donts_of_Mentoring.pdf
Let me know if you’d like to combine
this with the earlier documents or need help with anything else!
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