Mentoring Scientists and Engineers: The Essential Skills, Principles and Processes

Mentoring is a structured and guided relationship between a mentor and a mentee that focuses on personal and professional development. It involves skilful questioning, active listening, building trust, self-management, and giving advice and feedback. This book is written for practitioners in STEM fields who have been pitched into the role of mentor without any prior training, to alleviate anxiety, frustration, and stress caused by not knowing what is expected. It offers practical guidance as a quick and easy read.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 156 pages
Publication date: 30 July 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Mentoring is a comprehensive and dynamic process that goes beyond traditional one-on-one informal instruction or what was once known as 'coaching.' In today's landscape, mentoring techniques have been inspired by both executive coaching and expert academic tutoring, aiming to provide valuable guidance and support to individuals seeking growth and development. While mentoring may seem straightforward, it requires a deep understanding and commitment to ensure its effectiveness. Unfortunately, a significant percentage of mentoring schemes fail due to a lack of adequate mentor training and comprehension. It is important to note that while studying the literature on mentoring is not overly demanding, adhering to fundamental principles and practicing specific skills is essential for successful mentoring.

This book serves as a comprehensive guide for practitioners in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields who have been thrust into the role of mentor without prior training. Its primary objective is to alleviate the anxiety, frustration, and stress that can arise from being unsure of what is expected in this role. By offering an introduction to mentoring, this book provides practical guidance in a quick and easy-to-read format.

Chapter 1: Introduction to Mentoring
In this chapter, the book delves into what mentoring means and its fundamental skills. It explores skilful questioning, active listening, building trust, self-management, and giving advice and feedback. The author emphasizes the importance of these skills in creating a supportive and empowering mentoring relationship.

Chapter 2: Mentoring Principles
The next chapter delves into the principles that underpin mentoring. It covers topics such as confidentiality, trust, respect, and empathy, which are essential for building strong and sustainable relationships. The author discusses how these principles can be applied in various mentoring scenarios and how they contribute to the overall success of the mentoring process.

Chapter 3: Conducting Mentoring Sessions
Chapter 3 provides practical guidance on conducting mentoring sessions. It covers topics such as setting goals, establishing expectations, and creating a safe and supportive environment for mentees to explore their challenges and aspirations. The author offers tips and techniques for effective communication, feedback, and problem-solving during mentoring sessions.

Chapter 4: Practical Applications of Mentoring
In this chapter, the book explores a wide range of practical applications of mentoring. It covers topics such as career development, leadership skills, team building, and academic advising. The author provides examples and case studies to illustrate how mentoring can be tailored to meet the specific needs of mentees and contribute to their overall growth and success.

Chapter 5: Creating a Basic Mentoring Scheme within an Organizational Context
The final chapter provides an outline and principles for creating a basic mentoring scheme within an organizational context. It covers topics such as identifying mentor candidates, training mentors, establishing guidelines and expectations, and evaluating the effectiveness of the mentoring scheme. The author emphasizes the importance of continuous improvement and adaptation to ensure the long-term success of mentoring programs.

In conclusion, this book is a valuable resource for practitioners in the STEM fields who are seeking to enhance their mentoring skills and contribute to the growth and development of their mentees. By offering an introduction to mentoring, practical guidance, and a wealth of practical applications, this book empowers practitioners to become effective mentors and create positive impact in their professional and personal lives.

Weight: 244g
Dimension: 138 x 215 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367724009