Suggested Reading 1 Flexman, A. M., & Gelb, A. W. (2011). Mentorship in anesthesia. Current Opinion in Anesthesiology, 24, 676-681. DOI: 10.1097/ ACO.0b013e32834c1659 2 Wenzel, V., & Gravenstein, N. (2016). Anesthesiology mentoring. Current Opinion in Anaesthesiology, 29(6), 698-702. doi:10.1097/ ACO.0000000000000397. 3 Patel, K., Gupta, Y., & Patel, A. (2022). Key communication skills for mentors. Journal of the American College of Radiology, 19(7). https://doi. org/10.1016/j.jacr.2022.03.001 4 Straus, S. E., & Sackett, D. L. (2014). Mentorship in Academic Medicine. Chichester, UK: John Wiley & Sons. Retrieved June 1, 2023 from https://ebookcentral. proquest.com/lib/bu/reader. action?docID=1597036 5 Rohatinsky, N., Cave, J., & Krauter, C. (2020). Establishing a mentorship program in rural workplaces: Connection, communication, and support required. Rural and Remote Health, 20(1). doi:https://doi. org/10.22605/rrh5640 6 Wong, S. P., Soh, S. B., & Wong, M. L. (2022). Intercultural mentoring among university students: The importance of meaningful communication.
However, it is crucial to acknowledge the potential risk of exploitation in a mentorship relationship. Exploitation can occur when a mentor takes credit for the work of a mentee or utilizes the mentee solely for personal or professional gain. This often arises due to a lack of altruism on the part of the mentor. Additionally, the inherent power dynamics between mentors, who possess more knowledge and influence, and their less-experienced mentees can contribute to the risk of exploitation. To mitigate this risk, mentors should prioritize the mentee’s growth and well-being, demonstrating a genuine commitment to their development. Establishing clear boundaries and open lines of communication can help foster a relationship based on trust and mutual respect, reducing the likelihood of exploitation. Conclusion Mentoring is a valuable experience that brings mutual benefits to both the mentee and the mentor. For the mentee, it provides an opportunity to enhance skills, knowledge, and abilities, leading to increased job satisfaction and career advancement. Mentors, on the other hand, can find professional rejuvenation, intellectual stimulation, institutional recognition, and personal growth through the mentoring process. Furthermore, candid dialogue within the mentorship relationship can shed light on ineffective protocols and procedures within an organization, paving the way for improvements. To fully reap these benefits, both the mentee and the mentor must possess strong core communication skills to foster an effective relationship and avoid common pitfalls that can arise in mentoring relationships. Effective communication is the cornerstone of successful mentoring, enabling open and honest dialogue, active listening, and the exchange of valuable insights and feedback. By actively engaging in meaningful conversations, both parties can establish trust, develop a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives, and navigate challenges together. Additionally, mentors and mentees should be mindful of maintaining a balance of power in the relationship. While mentors provide
guidance and expertise, mentees should also actively contribute, ask questions, and share their own insights and experiences. This collaborative approach encourages mutual growth and learning, ensuring that both parties benefit from the mentorship experience. By nurturing effective communication skills and embracing the reciprocal nature of mentoring, mentees and mentors can create a positive and enriching relationship that fosters professional development, personal growth, and overall success.
International Journal of Intercultural Relations, 91, 13-26. DOI:10.1016/j. ijintrel.2022.08.008
54
WHAT DID YOU SAY?
COMMUNICATION SKILLS FOR MENTORSHIP 55
Made with FlippingBook Publishing Software