On Mentoring and Being Mentored On Mentoring and Being Mentored Part IPart I

Gary C. Schoenwolf, Ph.D.Distinguished Professor, Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy

Adjunct Professor, Department of PediatricsDirector, Children’s Health Research Center

Twelve Principles of MentorshipTwelve Principles of Mentorship

Twelve (Personal) Principles of Twelve (Personal) Principles of MentorshipMentorship

Principle #1Principle #1

Principals of Mentorship

Mentor(s)&

Trainee (“Mentoree”)Mentorship = professional relationship

Should lead to the formation of colleagues = partners/partnerships

In a research relationship, it should lead to principal investigators

Principle #2Principle #2

Mentorship is Active Not Passive The mentor and trainee must develop a plan for the trainee’s career

development--without planning it doesn’t happen

The trainee must follow the plan--mentorship is not something that is done to some one; the trainee must be actively involved in making his/her career development happen (teachers teach and learners learn but teachers don’t

learn students)

The plan must be reviewed periodically to ensure that career development is on-track; flexibility is important

What is a Career Plan?What is a Career Plan?

Four Questions:

What do you want to accomplish in your career?

In what time period (short- and long-term goals)?

Where do you want to work (geography and field)?

With whom do you want to work?

What is a Career Plan (cont.)?What is a Career Plan (cont.)?

Four More Questions:Have your considered what sacrifices will be necessary?

Have you thought realistically about your responsibilities, desires, strengths and weaknesses?

Can you deal with roadblocks, detours and new opportunities (carpe diem)?

Are you flexible and open to change?

Principle #3Principle #3

The Best Mentorship is Founded on Mutual Respect

Mentor respects the trainee and is interested in his/her welfare (prime motivator: what’s best for the trainee; almost parental)

&The trainee respects the mentor and views him/her as a “role” model

Principle #4Principle #4

Mentorship Should Be for Fun and Profit

It should be mutually beneficial!

Mentorship Should be Mutually Beneficial for the

Partners/Partnership

ButBalance is Important!!!

Principle #5Principle #5

Mentorship Involves Having Share Expectations

Its purpose must be mutually understood

What is the Purpose of Mentorship?

Primary purpose:

Career development (e.g., grooming the next generation of physician scientists)--having a

realistic plan for career development is essential

What is the Purpose of Mentorship?

Secondary purpose:

To achieve the mission of the University and the Department (the clinical, advocacy/service,

research and education missions): to do one’s job well

Principle #6Principle #6

Having Shared Expectations Leads to Great Expectations

And great accomplishments!

So, What is Mentorship?

Principle #7Principle #7

Mentorship is Like Obscenity

“Can’t really define it, but I know it when I see it”

U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart

How to Find a MentorHow to Find a Mentor

Be Proactive, Talk to Peers and Seek Them Out

Principle #8Principle #8

When it Comes to Mentors, Polygamy is Good

Constantly seek out new/additional mentors throughout your career

Principle #9Principle #9

Good Mentors are Always Busy People

Do not be deterred; be persistent

How to be a MentorHow to be a Mentor

In General:Learn to do Your Job Well

Be Willing to TeachBe Concerned about the Career

Development of Others Why?

Because it is the right thing to doBecause it is a form of teaching (one of a faculty member’s jobs)And, because it is mutually beneficial

How to be a MentorHow to be a Mentor

Specifically:

Learn How to Mentor from Your Mentors (as well as how not to

mentor) How do they interact with others; how do they respond to

failure; how do they respond to success; how do they organize and carry out their thoughts, time, projects; how do they promote their trainees; how do they do their job?

Principle #10Principle #10

Be a Mentor, Build CharacterBe a Mentor, Build Character

“The most important thing a mentor can do is to have an overwhelming desire to see the person

being mentored succeed.”

William Spicer, Stanford University, 2000 Recipient of the AAAS Lifetime Mentor Award.

Your Own

Be a Mentor, Build CharacterBe a Mentor, Build Character

“Do not measure incoming people by the standards of your very best protégé. Accept the fact that some people are going to be less than

perfect.”

“Have a lot of patience, and be willing to spend a lot of time.”

“The very best people need you the least.”

“. . . tailor your programs to change as your trainees change.”

“. . . have high expectations for everyone.”

How to be MentoredHow to be Mentored

Learn to do Your Job WellBe “Mentorable” (Teachable)

Be Concerned about the Career Development of Others

Principle #11Principle #11

Your Success is Based Largely on How Well You are Mentored, What

You Take Away From the Mentoring Process, and How Well

You Mentor

Principle #12Principle #12

Mentorship Should Be for Fun and Profit

What is a What is a Successful Physician Successful Physician ScholarScholar??

Definition/Expectation: CARE

Provides quality (excellent) clinical care: physicians practice medicine

Provides quality basic or clinical research/scholarship (publication): advances field beyond walls

Provides quality teaching/mentorship: trains next generationProvides quality service/advocacy: advances discipline

Over time: one or more areas will be emphasized according to passions, strengths and opportunities/constraints

Remember: not alone and it takes time (potential is important)

Redefining Protected TimeRedefining Protected Time

Protected Time is Not Research TimeRather it is usually everything except clinical timeWhen do you teach, do administration, advocacy,

take vacations, spend time with your family?What does 40% protected time mean? How many

hours per week?Think: Clinical time, Teaching time, Service time,

Research time, Personal time?

On Mentoring and Being Mentored On Mentoring and Being Mentored Part IIPart II