[rsisk]

Maybe I've missed it, but here is something I rarely see mentioned when talking about what makes a great mentor.

Mentors need to be constantly learning.

There is always going to be some aspect of running a robotics team that a mentor has the potential to learn; writing a business plan, coaching on the field, the psychology of managing large groups, the details of how CAN works, whatever.

I spend a lot of my free time talking with other mentors, reading CD, experimenting, learning how others deal with issues. That way, when it comes time to inspire the student, I am ready.

If you think you know everything, you don't. Although some of the posters here on CD come pretty darn close on some subjects. There is always something new to be learned and you should take the opportunity when it is available.