The article This Is What Sets Great Mentors Apart in Fortune by Vale DiFebo, while aimed at corporate mentors and mentees is certainly worth reading by both entrepreneurs and those who wish to mentor them.
She outlines three keys attributes of being a good mentor:
- Listening skills
- Understanding the task
- Taking action
The article is written both for the mentee and the mentor, as she concludes:
When all of these qualities come together, a mentoring relationship becomes incredibly valuable for the mentee and personally rewarding for the mentor. Those on both sides of the mentoring relationship should remember,however, that no mentor can be all things at all times to a mentee. It’s important to build a roster of mentors, each of who are specially equipped to help with a different goal or challenge. Some mentors might be great at giving strategic advice for climbing the ranks, while others excel at helping balance work and life. Identify your needs, then seek out a relationship with those who seem to be excelling in that area. You’re never too old or important to be mentored. Having a trusted, well–rounded team to turn to for perspective is valuable at any stage of a career.
Mentorphile 