How to Address Problems in Mentoring
- 1). Provide ongoing training sessions. Even if there is an initial training session for mentors, it's important to keep them educated with up-to-date information regarding their industry and the program. The mentors can then pass along what they learned to their mentees. When both groups are continually learning new things, it can prevent boredom. Enthusiasm may spur more progress and advancement within the industry and the mentoring program.
- 2). Delegate problems to specific individuals. If there are people who can handle certain issues better than you can, especially those who are specially trained in a specific area, there is no harm in asking them to lend their expertise. The end result of these problems could have an effect not only on you and the program but on the mentors and mentees as well.
- 3). Welcome suggestions from participants of the program. Those at the heart of the program, the mentors and mentees, could possibly provide the best insight on how to improve the program. They are often the ones who experience the brunt of any problems that occur and the outcome of any changes. Be open to listening to what they have to say and consider if the ideas would be beneficial to implement.
- 4). Handle problems immediately and calmly. Delays in dealing with the problems, overreacting or expressing extreme anger could make issues worse. Even if you want to procrastinate on finding a solution to the problem or scream at the top of your lungs, it could save you a lot of extra aggravation to take a deep breath, think clearly about the best solution, then implementing your decision as soon as possible.
- 5). Think in a variety of ways. Instead of having a specific way of handling every issue, be more open-minded and deal with each problem individually. Considering the variety of personalities that are involved with the mentoring program and the frequent interaction mentors have with mentees, your methods of handling problems should be as varied as the participants themselves. Depending on the situation, it can be best to often use an unorthodox way of thinking.
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