By Kriz Quintos
To be a successful mentor is to be empathetic to their mentees. Being empathetic matters as it creates meaningful connections between people and is a significant factor in making efficient relationships. It allows the mentees to feel comfortable and safe enough to open and accept help from their mentors. According to research, mentors with more empathy developed higher and stronger quality relationships with their mentees.
Therefore, the mentor must understand the factors that affect their mentors. Specifically, the pressures and factors that influence them throughout the mentee’s journey. Here are some of the influences listed by the upcoming book Mentoring Beyond AI (February 28, 2024) that mentors should consider in mentoring.
Social and Economic Influences
Economic class impacts student’s academic performance. It might be challenging to build relationships with peers or mentors for some students as they may struggle to trust someone, especially adults. Some may possess signs of hopelessness and cynicism as a part of their coping mechanism to the stress of poverty. Therefore, mentors need extra time to address these traits and cultivate strong connections with such mentees.
Warning Signs
Mentors should be aware of some changes that their mentees may display specifically in their behavioral problems. These warning signs should be noted and recommended intervention by experts once observed.
Substance Abuse
There is no denying that usage of substance abuse is one of the serious societal issues. Mentors should be vigilant in recognizing the signs of substance abuse in mentees. Addressing this issue provides mentors with an opportunity to serve as strong role models for their mentees.
Injuries and Violence
Young males aged 15 to 21 years old often become involved in crimes associated with peer pressure where they have to prove or test masculinity and search for peer approval can escalate into street crimes and attacks. These group behaviors can have significant effects on participants and bystanders leading to limitations on extracurricular activities for the latterMentors, especially teachers or professors should closely monitor the influence of these activities within the school environment.
Suicide
Suicide has become the fourth leading cause of death among 15 to 29-year-olds (World Health Organization, 2023). Given that mentees often struggle to communicate their failure and feelings, especially feelings of depression to adults, and particularly to their parents, mentors must be mindful to recognize when the pressures on their mentees are overwhelming. Regular assessment of changes in mentees’ behavior is crucial. Experience enables mentors to gauge the appropriate pressure a mentee can handle. In all cases, mentors should prioritize building skills in mentees to help them set and achieve their goals.
Peer Pressure
Peer acceptance is pivotal for adolescents, and mentors should be prepared to help mentees cultivate problem-solving and life skills. In addition, this enables them to handle their competence, responsibility, and problems independently, rather than relying on peer influence. It’s crucial to emphasize that decisions influenced by peers can have lifelong consequences.
Technology and Cyber Bullying
In today’s modern world, communication predominantly occurs through text messages, emails, and calls using various technologies like computers and cell phones. Despite the convenience of these tools, mentors play a crucial role in highlighting the importance of face-to-face interactions and developing social and communication skills. Mentors need to stress the lasting impact of online information, warning about potential consequences in both social lives and careers. Additionally, mentors must address the rise of pervasive and potentially harmful cyberbullying, taking this threat seriously by supporting mentees who report incidents, educating them against participation, and identifying potential victims.
In conclusion, being a mentor involves more than just guiding mentees in their professional growth; it requires a deep understanding of the multifaceted challenges they face, both personally and socially. The ability to empathize is the foundation of effective mentorship, fostering trust and creating a safe space for mentees to open about their struggles and thoughts. Mentors also need to express their experiences in ways mentees will understand— acknowledging the social and economic influences, recognizing warning signs, and addressing issues such as substance abuse, violence, suicide, peer pressure, and cyberbullying are vital responsibilities. As we delve into the pages of “Mentoring Beyond AI,” let us embrace the transformative power of empathy and commitment, recognizing that true mentorship extends beyond professional guidance—it is a profound investment in the holistic well-being of those mentees.
References:
Spencer, R. Becoming a Better Mentor: Strategies to be There for Young People. Boston University. https://www.mentoring.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/BBM-Chapter-1.pdf
World Health Organization (2023). Suicide. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/suicide
