Commitment, Respect, and Trust: The Building Blocks of a Strong Mentoring Relationship

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

    Abstract

    Many formal mentoring programs only call for one characteristic in prospective mentors and mentees: a willingness to participate. However, research has shown that there are specific mentor (and mentee) characteristics and behaviors that encourage a meaningful, lasting mentoring experience. Generally, these characteristics and behaviors fall into three categories: (1) a commitment to the relationship, (2) mutual respect between mentor and mentee, and (3) mutual trust.1 Fortunately, these attributes can be nurtured in mentors and mentees, especially when the relationship is given careful forethought. In this chapter, the mentoring relationship is examined, particularly the central elements of mutual commitment, respect, and trust. Relevant theory and research are applied and a sample mentoring agreement is appended.

    Original languageAmerican English
    Title of host publicationAcademic Library Mentoring: Fostering Growth and Renewal
    StatePublished - Jan 1 2021

    Keywords

    • mentorship
    • mentor
    • mentee
    • trust
    • confidentiality
    • transformational leadership
    • listening
    • respect
    • integrity

    Disciplines

    • Library and Information Science
    • Social and Behavioral Sciences

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