[JaneYoung]

In thinking about the mentorship philosophy, I determined first what it is not. It is not coaching. Coaching is directing a person or team towards a specific goal or purpose, using skills to achieve that goal or purpose. Mentoring is different. It is working with a person or group in ways that help the person or group develop in setting goals and striving towards success. Success can be in the forms of bettering oneself, clarifying goals/life goals, building a strong foundation on which to continue to grow and develop. Mentoring doesn't necessarily end when goals are achieved but can continue on by evaluating achievements and developing new goals. To me, it has potential of spiraling upwards through different levels of growth and development.

Tools used in mentoring would include communication, respect, goal setting, aha moments, and recognition of growth and development. Sometimes, the recognition does not come until later but it usually always shows itself. I think of the WFFAs and WFAs as proof of that.

Good thread, John. I hope you have many many posts from our valuable mentors.

Jane