A skill I taught for MANY years…..sales. We have all heard about the sales person that could sell ice cubes to an eskimo. And, how many of us remember trying to convince mom about that bike we wanted for Christmas, so that we could run errands for her or the video game we wanted for our birthday that we told mom would improve a test score at school.
What talent were we using to sell our case to mom or our products to our potential customers. We were LISTENING very closely for those triggers. Well, guess what? That is what our mentors are doing as they work with students at Horizons4Girls.
I don’t tell a student their counselor says they need to complete the assignments on time. I am listening…..listening closely. I am getting to know that student. And, I am NOT that slick used car salesperson trying to sell a car. I want to get to know that student. We might go on field trips, take an art class at the Art Center, or go to a concert at the theater together.
I am sincere and paying attention, I might ask a question or two or I might share a story about something I discovered. We might do a service project together or enjoy some time together in the kitchen.
Those relationships are priceless, but they have boundaries. You share what boundaries you have and the student shares any boundaries they might have. There is a mutual respect being built between the two of you.
As you get to know that student you might learn of an interest they have or a goal they have. As you get to know each other you are able to weave into what the student might like to accomplish into how good communication might help them get to that goal or how the logic of investing time into learning a new skill will help them more quickly get that car they’ve been dreaming of.
Find out more of how we mentor in Mentoring Relationships, Just Talk to Me. Get your copy Available now at your favorite digital store!