How to Mentor Someone in 4 Steps

By Communication Coach Alexander Lyon

EducationBusiness
Share:

Key Concepts:

  • Mentoring Framework: A four-phase approach to mentoring individuals on specific skills and experiences.
  • "You Do It": The mentor demonstrates the skill or task.
  • "You Do It, They Help": The mentee assists the mentor in performing the task.
  • "They Do It, You Help": The mentee takes the lead, with the mentor providing guidance and support.
  • "They Do It": The mentee performs the task independently.

1. Introduction to the Mentoring Framework

  • The video introduces a four-phase framework for mentoring, focusing on a structured, "mechanical" approach to skill development.
  • It acknowledges the importance of relational dynamics (trust, rapport) but emphasizes a practical, step-by-step process.
  • The framework can be applied to various learning scenarios, from short-term tasks to long-term development plans.
  • The framework is not original to the presenter, and its origins are likely very old.

2. Phase 1: You Do It (or You Do It, They Watch)

  • Description: The mentor demonstrates the skill or task, showcasing expertise and experience.
  • Key Point: The mentor should possess a high level of competence in the area being taught.
  • Caveat: Individuals with slightly more experience can still be effective role models for basic skills.
  • Example: The presenter's experience as an intern at a management consulting firm, where he observed experienced consultants coaching executives.
  • Actionable Insight: Before becoming a mentor, seek out mentors and learn from those who are already proficient.

3. Phase 2: You Do It, They Help

  • Description: The mentor performs the majority of the task, while the mentee assists in meaningful ways.
  • Analogy: The mentor is the pilot, and the mentee is the co-pilot.
  • Key Point: This phase allows the mentee to observe, learn, and gradually take on more responsibility.
  • Example: The presenter's brother teaching his children how to fix motorcycles, starting with them handing him tools and gradually assigning them small tasks.
  • Example: The presenter's internship, where he initially observed consultants and then gradually took on small parts of workshops and other tasks.

4. Phase 3: They Do It, You Help

  • Description: The mentee takes the lead on the task, with the mentor providing guidance, feedback, and support.
  • Key Point: Requires humility from the mentor to step back and allow the mentee to make mistakes.
  • Challenge: Individuals who struggle with control may find this phase difficult.
  • Example: The presenter's brother allowing his children to take the lead on motorcycle repairs, providing assistance only when needed.
  • Example: The presenter being given the opportunity to present entire workshops, with the senior consultants providing feedback and support.
  • Example: The presenter's first solo workshop presentation in Las Vegas.

5. Phase 4: They Do It (or They Do It, You Watch)

  • Description: The mentee performs the task independently.
  • Key Point: The mentor provides encouragement and allows the mentee to operate outside of their comfort zone.
  • Analogy: The mentee is now the pilot of their own plane, without a co-pilot.
  • Example: The presenter's son driving the car on his own after getting his driver's license.
  • Example: The consulting firm sending the presenter to conduct workshops independently at various locations.

6. Conclusion

  • The four-phase framework provides a structured approach to mentoring, emphasizing gradual progression and increasing independence for the mentee.
  • Competence in the skill being taught is crucial for the mentor.
  • The middle two phases ("You Do It, They Help" and "They Do It, You Help") involve a transition of responsibility from the mentor to the mentee.
  • The ultimate goal is for the mentee to become competent and confident enough to perform the task independently and eventually mentor others.

Chat with this Video

AI-Powered

Hi! I can answer questions about this video "How to Mentor Someone in 4 Steps". What would you like to know?

Chat is based on the transcript of this video and may not be 100% accurate.

Related Videos

Ready to summarize another video?

Summarize YouTube Video