The Law of Positive Environment
Create a positive environment where potential and motivation are released and options discussed.
The Law of Developing Character
Nurture a positive character by helping to develop not just talent, but also a wealth of mental and ethical traits.
The Law of Independence
Promote autonomy; make the mentee independent of you, not dependent on you.
The Law of Limited Responsibility
Be responsible to them, not for them.
The Law of Shared Mistakes
Share your failures as well as your successes.
The Law of Planned Objectives
Prepare specific goals for your relationship.
The Law of Inspection
Monitor, review, provide feedback, and discuss potential actions. Do not expect performance without inspection.
The Law of Small Successes
Use a stepping-stone process to build on accomplishment and achieve great success.
The Law of Direction
It is important to teach by giving options as well as direction.
The Law of Mutual Protection
Maintain privacy. Protect the integrity, character, and insights that you have shared with one another.
The Law of Communication
Mentors and their mentees must balance listening with speaking.
The Law of Life Transition
As mentors, when you help your mentees enter the next stage of their lives, you will enter the next stage of yours.
The Law of Fun
Make mentoring a wonderful experience – laugh, smile, and enjoy the journey.
Adapted from the book Mentoring: The Most Obvious Yet Overlooked Key to Achieving More in Life Than You Ever Dreamed Possible. F. Wickman & T. Sjodin. (1997)
