The Importance of Self-Reflection

When addressing mentoring challenges, first and foremost, try to use the skill of self-reflection. Identify what you are thinking and feeling in regard to the challenge presented in your mentoring relationship. You might ask yourself:

• Is this challenge something that I struggle with?
• Is it possible that I’ve contributed to creating the challenge in some way?
• Am I upset about something that is related to this challenge, but has nothing to do with my mentee?
• Can I do something immediately to remedy the situation? Or would it be more useful to discuss it with my mentee so that we can both learn from the situation and remedy it together?
• What assumptions am I making about my mentee right now?
• How can I address this challenge with my mentee in a kind and open manner that will not be threatening to the mentee?