Following from Tim Dyer’s insightful blog last month, here are a few additional thoughts in brief, dot-point form, about what kind of qualities help mentorees get the most out of their mentoring partnerships.
Great Mentorees will:
Be devoted to Christ:
-
- desire to be like Christ
- serve God wholeheartedly
- submit to the work of the Holy Spirit
Be open:
-
- recognise they are beginners
- are ready for new ideas and change
- listen for God’s voice
Be determined:
-
- are not satisfied with the status quo
- work to overcome obstacles
- exercise self-discipline
Be honest:
-
- are not evasive
- are pro-active in raising pertinent issues
- own their opinions
- do not create false impressions
Think:
-
- reflect on their lives
- prepare good questions
- consider what is said
Take action:
-
- refuse to be passive
- make clear decisions
- commit to specific plans and carry them through
Take responsibility:
-
- shoulder their own load
- fulfil their commitments
- own their failures and successes
Respect boundaries:
-
- are sensitive in their demands
- maintain confidentiality
- do not take advantage of their mentor
Show appreciation:
-
- acknowledge the value of mentoring
- are considerate
- pray for their mentor
— Rick Lewis