Jeff Widman (.com)

A friend recently asked about mentoring folks.

Here’s an e-mail I sent several months ago to a guy who is gradually becoming a mentor. We both wanted to make the relationship happen, but we also both lead very full lives.

Thanks for the offer to mentor me a little more–much appreciated and it didn’t slip my mind.
(Apologies if I explained this before.)
I distinguish between advisors, and mentors.
Advisors–generally topic specialists–answer my questions when I need help.
Mentors ask the questions I didn’t think to ask–or that I’m subconsciously avoiding…
You have to know a person to see these unasked/avoided questions. 
There’s a snag though–it takes time.
That’s why I have many advisors, and very few mentors (none right now–most mentors/disciplers prefer face-to-face, and I’m too transitory.)

I mentored four guys every school year the past four years, and we met 1-on-1 every week for an hour (only possible with a school schedule). I learned the value of consistently creating space–conversations happen.
If you’re interested, I’d suggest we commit to a half-hour chat bi-weekly through the end of the year. (Any mentor knows the rewards are high, but so is the commitment.)

If you’d rather stay an advisor than a mentor–that’s perfectly fine… 
(The last thing I want is you saying yes if you’re not interested.)
Jeff

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