Be(come) A Mentor! Help Others Succeed!

All of us are lifelong learners. Especially in technology there is always something new to learn so we are always experts in one and beginners in another field. In order to learn, make progress, and succeed, it’s really helpful to have a mentor. But it’s equally important to learn how to be a good mentor to others. All of us started out as beginners and if it wasn’t for the help of others, who shared their knowledge with us, lent a hand, and guided us, we probably wouldn’t be where we are today. Let’s start giving back! Let’s help others succeed!

Mentorship can be super fun and rewarding, you will learn a ton by helping others, and you don't need to be an expert in order to mentor someone. In my talk we’ll explore what a mentor is and why you should become a mentor. I’ll also give you mentorship advice and tips and we’ll learn about the Do’s and Don’ts of mentorship. Finally, I’ll present some concrete ways you can help as a mentor and which projects you can get involved in.

Transcript

1. Be(Come) A Mentor! Help Others Succeed! Anna Ossowski @OssAnna16
2. About me...
3. mentor noun | men·tor | \ˈmen-ˌtȯ r, -tər\ Latin, from Greek Mentōr : someone who teaches or gives help and advice to a less experienced and often younger person : a trusted counselor or guide
4. Why do people need mentors?
5. The scenario
6. 1) Give up 2) Get help Your options
7. What’s your job?
8. Why be(come) a mentor?
9. Because helping others succeed is one of the best things in the world!
10. Pay it forward!
11. But really, what’s in it for me?
12. It’s a two-way street
13. Myth #1: You have to be an expert in order to be a good mentor.
14. Myth #2: Only in-person-mentoring is good mentoring.
15. Myth #3: Mentoring takes up a ton of time.
16. Myth #4: Only newbies need mentors.
17. Mentor Tutor
18. • What are your goals? • What do you want to work on together? • What will the time commitment be? • How are you going to communicate?
19. Mentorship do’s and dont’s
20. Don’t assume. Ask.
21. Show your flaws.
22. Always play both roles.
23. Be a rubber duck and listen.
24. Be committed and available.
25. Be patient, open-minded, and compassionate.
26. Be positive and encouraging.
27. Words are powerful.
28. Don’t touch their screen or keyboard.
29. Tools
32. How can you help?
34. How do you find a mentor?
35. Go and be(come) a mentor!
36. remote.pyladies.com @PyLadiesRemote
37. Thank you!