As we continue celebrating National Mentoring Month, let’s talk about what makes mentoring truly effective. A strong mentoring relationship isn’t just about finding the “right” mentor. It’s also about showing up as an engaged learner.

Great mentors listen, share experiences, and encourage growth. Great mentees are curious, respectful, open to feedback, and willing to take action. Mentoring works best when both people are invested in learning and growth together.

You don’t need to impress a mentor or have everything figured out. Asking thoughtful questions, listening closely, and following through go a long way. Many mentors are inspired simply by seeing someone take initiative.

This Week Try This:
Identify one skill you want to build or one question you’d like guidance on. Clarity helps mentoring relationships grow stronger.

Mentoring is about partnership, not perfection

Believe in your seeds of greatness.

Elisa Basnight
Founder & CEO, WIN‑NextGen™