Star Wars Day – What makes a good mentor?

by | May 5, 2021 | Teaching

May the Fourth be with you

Today is May the fourth – Star Wars Day. “May the Fourth be with you.” According to Wikipedia, Star Wars Day is the “informal commemorative day observed annually on May 4 to celebrate George Lucas’ Star Wars media franchise.”

The first use of “May the Fourth be with you” occurred when Margaret Thatcher became prime minister of the United Kingdom on May 4, 1979. To celebrate her victory her party placed an ad in the newspaper stating “May the Fourth Be With You, Maggie. Congratulations!”

Mentors

Luke Skywalker’s mentor was of course the Jedi Master Obi-Wan Kenobi.  So, in honor of all Jedi Masters and other mentors, including Moms, Dads, Teachers, etc. I present to you my list of What Makes a Good Mentor.

What Makes a Good Mentor

A good mentor…

  • is wise
  • has skill
  • is accessible
  • listens to you
  • has knowledge
  • cares about you
  • knows your talents
  • makes time for you
  • gives honest feedback
  • has strong core values
  • engages with you often
  • helps you develop plans
  • gives encouraging words
  • helps you make decisions
  • challenges you to do better
  • guides you to discover truth
  • helps you be true to yourself
  • is dedicated to you and your success
  • knows when to let you do it yourself
  • has a positive vision of your potential
  • hears you, even if you didn’t use words
  • does not waste time trying to be your best friend
  • respects you, your opinion, and your background
  • is not afraid to tell you what you don’t want to hear

What about you?  What do you think makes a good mentor?