How do you inspire mentees to overcome obstacles?

As a mentor, you want to help your mentees grow and achieve their goals. But sometimes, they may face challenges or setbacks that make them doubt themselves or lose motivation. How do you inspire them to overcome obstacles and keep moving forward? Here are some tips to help you empower your mentees and foster a positive mindset.

1 Listen and empathize

The first step to inspire your mentees is to listen and empathize with their struggles. Show them that you care and understand what they are going through. Don't judge, criticize, or minimize their feelings. Instead, validate their emotions and acknowledge their efforts. By listening and empathizing, you can build trust and rapport with your mentees and make them feel more comfortable to share their concerns and aspirations.

Add your perspective

Yesewzer Akele, APTDÂ®

Learning and Development Specialist (posts are own)
Report contribution
I strongly belive in the power of discipline which means consistency no matter what. If the mentee persist with or without motivation from the environment, rest assured he can become what he want to be.

Like
Calebe Luo

Top Voice | AI-to-Leadership | Executive & Leadership Neurocoach | Business Influencer | Marketing Director | Mentor | Robotics | CliftonStrengths | Power Skills
Report contribution
Listening with empathy is both art and technique. I recommend the framework designed by Co-Active Training Institute. They have identified 3 levels of listening and each level can be used in a certain way to obtain the most from communication. The three levels of listening as identified by CTI are: Level 1 - Internal Listening: where we focus on ourselves, our experience, our opinions as they related to whatâ€™s being said. Level 2 - Focused Listening: where we listen to the other person. Our thoughts do not enter into the conversation, but curiosity can. Level 3 - Global Listening: where we listen to what isnâ€™t being said; â€œbody language, the inflections and tone of their voice, their pauses and hesitations.â€

Like

2 Ask open-ended questions

The next step to inspire your mentees is to ask open-ended questions that encourage them to think critically and creatively. Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, but require more explanation or reflection. For example, you can ask your mentees: What are your goals? Why are they important to you? What are the obstacles you are facing? How can you overcome them? What are the resources or support you need? How will you measure your progress? By asking open-ended questions, you can help your mentees clarify their vision, identify their strengths and weaknesses, explore different options, and find their own solutions.

Add your perspective

3 Share stories and examples

Another way to inspire your mentees is to share stories and examples of how you or others have overcome similar or relevant obstacles. Stories and examples can provide inspiration, motivation, and guidance for your mentees. They can also show them that they are not alone and that others have faced and overcome challenges before. When sharing stories and examples, make sure to highlight the key lessons, strategies, and outcomes that can be applied to your mentees' situations. Also, make sure to use stories and examples that are appropriate, relatable, and respectful to your mentees' backgrounds and experiences.

Add your perspective

Calebe Luo

Top Voice | AI-to-Leadership | Executive & Leadership Neurocoach | Business Influencer | Marketing Director | Mentor | Robotics | CliftonStrengths | Power Skills
Report contribution
Storytelling is a powerful tool in mentoring. Fitting the story with the menteesâ€™ context is key. More important than the story itself is what the mentee learned from it. We, as mentors, should not assume that the lesson is obvious. I usually end the story by asking: â€œWhat did you learn from this story that could be useful for your situation?â€ Be curious and prepared to be surprised.

Like

4 Give feedback and praise

The fourth step to inspire your mentees is to give feedback and praise that are constructive, specific, and sincere. Feedback and praise can help your mentees recognize their achievements, improve their performance, and boost their confidence. When giving feedback, focus on the behavior, not the person. Use the sandwich method: start with something positive, then give constructive criticism, and end with another positive. When giving praise, be specific about what your mentees did well, how it contributed to their goals, and how it made you feel. Avoid generic or exaggerated praise that may sound insincere or patronizing.

Add your perspective

5 Challenge and support

The final step to inspire your mentees is to challenge and support them to reach their full potential. Challenge your mentees to set realistic but ambitious goals, to take action, and to learn from their mistakes. Support your mentees by providing resources, guidance, and encouragement. Help them overcome their fears, doubts, or barriers. Celebrate their successes and help them cope with failures. By challenging and supporting your mentees, you can help them grow, learn, and achieve their goals.

Add your perspective

Calebe Luo

Top Voice | AI-to-Leadership | Executive & Leadership Neurocoach | Business Influencer | Marketing Director | Mentor | Robotics | CliftonStrengths | Power Skills
Report contribution
I have learned to ask for permission before challenging the mentee. It shows respect and trust. Challenges may be seen as threats. When we ask for permission, we acknowledge that we will ask something that would require the mentee to stretch, to grow out of their comfort zone. We empower them by letting them choose if or not they want to face the challenge, even if we believe they are ready for it. Then we support them on the process.

Like

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that donâ€™t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

Add your perspective

Larisa Halilovic â™€ï¸

International Development Expert - Team Leader. TEDx Speaker twice. Executive Trainer, Coach and Mentor. Leadership Development Specialist. ðŸ’¡ Leading people can be hard. I help make it easier.
Report contribution
Something I have found to help keep motovation on track is making sure that we understand the core values and key drivers of our mentees from the start. That way, when motivation drops, it is much easier to help get them back on track. For example, in the early stages of mentorship you may use questions such as: - What is truly important to you at work, or in life? - What is not negotiable? - What makes you get up and go? - What gives you the feeling of success and happiness? If these are explored well, then motivation drops can be linked back to these initial conversations. Making sure our mentees operate and make decisions in lime with their values can help them keep on track and stay true to themselves.

Like

Directory

How do you inspire mentees to overcome obstacles?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Listen and empathize

2 Ask open-ended questions

3 Share stories and examples

4 Give feedback and praise

5 Challenge and support

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Mentoring

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

More articles on Mentoring

More relevant reading

Directory

How do you inspire mentees to overcome obstacles?

1

2

3

4

5

6

1 Listen and empathize

2 Ask open-ended questions

3 Share stories and examples

4 Give feedback and praise

5 Challenge and support

6 Hereâ€™s what else to consider

Mentoring

Rate this article

Thanks for your feedback

Explore Other Skills