Two weeks ago, our new VPE Tammy Bailey gave an excellent speech about mentoring. Here are the core concepts she spoke about.
To a new member, the intricacies of the Toastmasters educational system can be confusing and even intimidating. A mentor can help simplify things. The Toastmasters Successful Club Series features a module specifically focused on mentoring, which is very thorough. The following are suggestions for being a good mentor that are based on some of the ideas presented there.
Make yourself part of your mentee's life. Don't wait to be called for help; call first. Be pro-active. Leaders, by definition, must take the lead.
Experience - share yours generously. Expose the mistakes you made as a rookie so your mentee feels kinship with you.
Nudge - don't push. Each person's progress is his or her own business, but mentors have a responsibility not to let mentees get stagnant.
Trustworthy - follow through on commitments you make. Keep not only appointments, but also confidences shared. Be a true ally.
Orient, don't overwhelm. There's too much to explain the entire program at once. Pace yourself and explain on a level that is comfortable for the new member.
Relationship - this commitment is long-term and in some cases, lifelong. It's also a two-way street, where you can learn from each other.
It's not necessary to have years of Toastmasters experience before becoming a mentor. Often, a veteran Toastmaster will benefit from the fresh perspective of a relative newcomer. All it takes is an open mind and a willingness to learn.
Henry Wadsworth Longfellow wrote something that lends itself beautifully to the mentoring relationship:
Give what you have. To someone, it may be better than you dare to think.
Tammy Bailey
