Day 1: (Afternoon) Qualities of effective mentors and mentee.

Qualities, Characteristics and Responsibilities of effective mentors and mentee.

Characteristics of effective mentors

Characteristics of an effective Mentor

Effective Communication skills
- Supportive climate for communication is:
  - Is open-minded and willing to explore ideas
  - Values the mentee’s perceptions, ideas, experience
  - Encourages two-way communication
  - Works with the mentee to problem solve to improve future performance
  - Cares about the mentee’s well-being
  - Provides feedback and describes performance
  - Comes across as an equal
  - Deal with misunderstandings and conflict
  - Create an supportive environment
  - Be respectful
- Active listening with understanding (Soundboard)
- Reformulating to clarify statements
- Summarising with the aim of clearly highlighting the concept
- Flexibility to enhance adaptability when focusing on diverse perspectives and specific goals
- Appreciate diversity of cultures and different perspectives
- Eager to learn (To be very enthusiastic about learning)
- Successful in their own career (Keep assessing your own performance)
- Experienced, skilled and knowledgeable
- Non-judgemental
- Giving constructive feedback
  - Focus on observation rather than inference
  - Focus on behaviour rather than the person
- Be honest, open and trustworthy (Focus on observation rather than the result / Focus on behaviour rather than the personality)
- Able to network and to find resources allow you to meet and interact with new people and build connections that may benefit one or both parties
- Willing and able to devote time and energy to develop others in the farming business

The feminine of mentor.
The word Femtor occasionally appears in some articles, but there is no accepted word for a female mentee, so let’s stick with the word mentor when referring to a person who is in a mentoring relationship with another, whether is a man or a woman.

Characteristics of effective mentors

Model
Open minded
Communicator
Knowledgeable
Skilled
Non judgmental
Good listener skills
Feedback giver
Sounding board.
Energiser
Motivator
Supporter
Envisioner, to be able to predict an outcome
Ability to reflect / mirror on their own practice
Demonstrate confidence
Deal with non-performers
Delegate tasks

Idea bouncer
Goal setter
Flexible
Door opener
Willing to learn and to change
Value diversity of perspectives
Problem solver
Coach and teacher
Career counsellor
Challenger
Giving constructive feedback
Honest and trustworthy
Deal effectively with all meetings
Able to network and find resources
Encourage good behaviour
Allow your mentee to assist you with all matters of the project
Encourage independent behaviour
Solve operational problems etc.

Characteristic of effective mentees

Characteristic of effective mentees

Be respect to the mentors (Knowledge, Skill, and as a person)
Be patient and respect the role and time of your mentor
Think positively and understand the effect of their emotions
Take ownership in what they do
Show eagerness and a desire to learn
Build and sustain relationships
Be serious in the relationship
Take the initiative and show interest
Be flexible
Work like a “team player”
Show understanding as soon as it becomes clear
Establish realistic and attainable expectation

Be on time for all appointments
Provide continuous feedback
Have a positive outlook and attitude.
Show eagerness to learn proactively.
Understand productivity and setting of daily tasks
Enter into interpersonal communications and give clear instructions
Be comfortable when receiving objective feedback
Focus and work hard to be competent and successful.
Motivate and listen to others needs
Give your co-operation in all fields
Make notes and stay on top of your learning
Use your active listening skills

Responsibilities of the Mentor and Mentee

Note for the Mentee: A good mentee must be open to any new possibilities, must possess over the necessary characteristics / traits and qualities and be eager to learn to enable them to enjoy the full benefit of the mentoring program.

Responsibilities of the Mentor and Mentee
Mentor – Responsibilities	Mentee – Responsibilities
Prepare him or herself to take on the responsibilities for being a mentor, fiscal, mentally and emotionally.	Map out a career path, know exactly what you need on an operational level, development level, emotional and professional level. The better you can explain yourself the better guidance and support you can expect.
Introduce him/her to the Mentee. Share relent information to build a report – interests, experiences, background, accomplishments, skills, sport, occupation strengths and weaknesses, leisure activities, nine to five, all in good mood.	Take responsibility for keeping in regular contact with mentor and actively participates in the relationship
Support and encourage mentee to take positive action	Actively engaged with a mentoring process and appointed mentor
Be a role model to whom the mentees can look up to	Communicate directly, honestly and openly, be curious, pose questions, share ideas
Tells mentee how he/she can help	Willing to listen and to take on board constructive feedback and advice
Provides encouragement for building self-confidence and self-esteem	Assess their strengths, learning and development needs, values and short and long term goals
Offers mentee constructive and meaningful advice and feedback	Set clear objectives and goals and realistic expectations around delivering on development needs.
Be the person with whom mentees can discuss their aspirations and concerns and who listens actively	Drive the process – take responsibility for managing mentoring relationships including meeting commitments, arranging meeting etc.
Helps mentee set educational/career goals	Develop a plan together with the mentor to achieve chosen goals
Educates mentee on broader farming expectations	Follows through on commitments and goals
Acts as a resource for information about new practices	Respects the mentor’s time
Introduce mentee to other farmers that may assist them	Maintains confidentiality at all times
Provide guidance and support to the mentee in addressing identified development needs	Openly shares successes and failures
Create new perspective and different ways of thinking	Receptive to feedback and coaching
Provide advice and feedback to the mentee on the matter at hand and their progression	Takes advantage of opportunities presented by the mentor
Provide encouragement and stimulate insight	Retain the responsibility for own learning
See positives in mentee	Grow your professional network
Provide sources of knowledge, act as sounding board	Solve complex problem
Challenge as appropriate
Provide constructive feedback
Celebrates milestones and achievements with mentee

Individual Activity

Self-assessment:
Identify the need for mentors and the need for their growth in your area