Mentor Mindset
High standards, high support
The Mentor Mindset is a leadership practice that combines high standards with high support, helping individuals grow and develop. It involves providing critical feedback while also assuring the individual that they are capable of meeting the high standards. This approach helps to create a sense of dignity and respect, making the individual more likely to view negative criticism as a sign that the leader cares about them.
- High standards and high support are essential for growth and development
- Critical feedback must be accompanied by an assurance of capability to meet high standards
- The experience of dignity and respect is crucial for individuals to view negative criticism as a sign of care
- Set high standardsClearly communicate the high standards expected of the individual. This can be done by providing specific, measurable, and achievable goals.Pro tipMake sure the high standards are realistic and attainableWarningAvoid setting standards that are too high or too low, as this can lead to discouragement or complacency
- Provide high supportAssure the individual that they are capable of meeting the high standards. This can be done by providing resources, guidance, and encouragement.Pro tipBe specific about the support being offered and how it will help the individual meet the high standardsWarningAvoid being too vague or general with the support, as this can lead to confusion or frustration
- Combine high standards and high supportCombine the high standards and high support to create a sense of dignity and respect. This can be done by providing critical feedback while also assuring the individual that they are capable of meeting the high standards.Pro tipBe genuine and sincere in the approach, as individuals can tell when it's not authenticWarningAvoid being too harsh or critical, as this can lead to defensiveness or discouragement
A teacher provides critical feedback to a student on their essay, but also assures them that they are capable of meeting the high standards. The student is more likely to view the negative criticism as a sign that the teacher cares about them.
The concept of Mentor Mindset originated from the work of Jeff Cohen and Claude Steel, who coined the term'mentor's dilemma'. This dilemma refers to the challenge of simultaneously criticizing someone's work and motivating them to overcome and embrace that criticism.