The Mentor’s Companion

This book explores what mentoring is and what are the essential skills required for it to be effective. Based on research, a new model is introduced – distal mentoring – which embodies best practice and can mitigate negative outcomes. Illustrated with relevant scenarios and mentoring tips, this book is a development tool for active practitioners, and expresses the mentoring process by emphasising its fundamental applications. This is reinforced by case studies and supporting theory, delivering a practical yet digestible medium. Following an initial exploration of the nature of mentoring, key techniques such as deep listening skills, empathy and powerful questioning are examined. Along with developing the relationship through empathy, emotional intelligence and rapport building, this book provides a comprehensive text in its introduction of mentoring as well as its recommendation of best practice.