The Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating Effective Learning Relationships has just been published in its third edition, a clear testimony to its importance in the practice of mentoring. Authors Lois K. Zachary and Lisa Z. Fain have updated this “bible” of mentor practice to reflect new insights, developing theories, and contemporary reality.
The authors see the mentor relationship as a mutual experience that generates growth for both mentor and mentee (although I prefer the word protégé). As such it requires investment, preparation, and reflection on part of both participants.
The revised edition considers not only evolving theories about adult development and mentoring, but also incorporates insights about the global nature of organizations, the importance of innovation, the reality of diversity, and the necessity of innovation.
One insight relating to innovation is the idea of SMARTER goals to augment SMART goals. We are all familiar with the idea of SMART goals—specific, measurable, action-oriented, and timely. To this, the authors have added exciting and risky.
The book is rich with resources. In addition to narrative based on both experience and research, there are case studies (examples), worksheets, and diagrams to encourage preparation, engagement, and reflection.
If you are interested in being part of a mentoring relationship, you need this volume on your desk.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the author and/or publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR,Part 255.
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