Friday, April 25, 2025

So, You Want to Be a Mentor?

Mentors are the backbone of any business, market, or career. Here’s how to be a better one

By Jessie Cook

Everyone starts as a beginner at something new. We are not born knowing how to do everything.

So, how do we get better? We absorb knowledge from those around us who are better, more experienced, and more respected than us: our mentors.

Mentors are the backbone of any business, market, or career. Without people harnessing their past experiences and passing their skills and wisdom to newbies, industries would never grow and develop.

But what makes a good mentor?

Here are my top tips to be a better mentor and help those around you become the best in their fields.

7 Tips for Mentors

Be patient. Like I said, not everyone is born into their field knowing what to do off the hop. Having patience when showing people what to do gives them confidence.
Be respectful. People come from all walks of life, backgrounds, and beliefs. Having respect for each individual while helping them helps you connect, and they’ll probably learn quicker when they feel your respectful support.
Tell stories. Sharing your personal experiences is a really great way to learn. What to do and what not to do all becomes more relevant with a connective story.
Ask questions. Not only should your mentee be asking you questions, but you should be asking them questions. It tests their abilities and understanding of the tasks at hand.
Challenge them. This goes hand-in-hand with asking questions. You can’t get better unless you are pushed. Not only does this help your mentee improve their work, it also pushes your to create fewer complacent habits.
Listen to their concerns. If your mentee is feeling uneasy or insecure about what their role or task may be, allow an open space for communication. New eyes and different thought processes can help come up with creative solutions when new and old workers collaborate.
Make it fun! Whatever industry or field you may be in, everything is better when the work doesn’t feel like work, when your coworkers turn into friends and family, and everyone goes home at the end of the day in a good mood.

Remember, people of all levels make mistakes. Take your time and help whoever is willing and wanting to receive it!

Jessie Cook has been in the heavy civil construction industry as an equipment operator for seven years. She is passionate about workplace development, safety, and the fair treatment of all, particularly for young women in the trades. For more tips from Jessie, follow her on Instagram at @clac_jessie.

So, You Want to Be a Mentor?

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