Managers As Mentors, 3rd Edition

Partners Bolster Self-Esteem

Let’s assume you now have a clearer understanding of the person. What’s next? The first thing you can do is to pay attention to the nuances, the subtle cues, the subtext of your discussions with your protégé—anything that might signal some fear that needs to be addressed. Then, answer the literal words of a question while you address the deeper issue that you think might be fueling the protégé’s fear.

You also can play a major role in bolstering the protégé’s low self-esteem and thus help to push fear out. Mentors do not give courage, they uncover courage. Two ways you can help the protégé find hidden courage are:

 

• Use lots of positive affirmations! Mentors sometimes approach protégés as though affirmations are ...