I recently had an experience that required me to pause and appreciate the craft of mentoring.  Mentoring done right can be a powerful motivational tool for individuals at any level of life.

I have always been fortunate to have outstanding mentors and privileged enough to serve as a mentor to many young professionals seeking a career in government.  The best mentoring relationships have several key elements:

1. 1. Trust must be established from the onset of the relationship. A mentoring relationship requires a great deal of confiding ones hopes, dreams, and fears.  There must be a level of trust that what is shared stays confidential.
   2.  Vision is an important asset for a mentor. Being knowledgeable of the landscape and having the foresight and experience to give strategic advice is critical.
   3. Time is always an undervalued commodity, but to be an effective mentor you must make time. Being accessible is key to any successful relationship and the time you spend must be purposeful and dedicated to your mentee.
   4. Care for the individual. Genuinely want what is best for your mentee.  The ability to show that you care for the person allows you not only to be a trusted source for strategic advice, but to deliver timely constructive criticism.  People are more likely to process and respect criticism when they know the person who is delivering it genuinely cares about them and their future.

“Show me a successful individual and I’ll show you someone who had real positive influences in his or her life. I don’t care what you do for a living—if you do it well, I’m sure there was someone cheering you on or showing the way. A mentor.” Denzel Washington

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