E-Mentoring’ is a boon in challenging times

This disruptive environment demands mentors to be empathetic, multiskilled, self-efficacious, and technically sound. Teachers cum mentors transform millions of lives every day and bring out positive change in mentees’ lives by continuously and compassionately guiding them. The mentor- mentee relationship plays a very crucial role in the personal and professional growth and skill development of any organisation’s stakeholders.

The “Mentor-Mentee” programme at Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad is one of a kind, where each and every faculty member takes deep interest in the mentoring process and guides students at every step. They not only discuss with their mentees about professional growth and academic issues but also take care of their mental health and happiness.

In order to take care of the emotional health of faculty members and students, Jaipuria Institute of Management, Ghaziabad, has been organizing various workshops on Happiness Index, Emotional Wellbeing and Managing health in challenging times.

The role of a mentor is to help mentees achieve their goals and supports them in acquiring different set of skills. A mentor wears different hats and changes the role according to the need of the hour.

So here are few tips for all the mentors so that they can manage their mentees in a tough situation like this pandemic!

• Mentors must make sure to connect regularly with their mentees via e-mails, texts or
  video conferencing. They just don’t need a specific topic or issue to be discussed with them rather just
  check in and chat normally.
• Mentors should offer a support system for all the mentees and inspire them to prioritize
  their physical, mental and spiritual health above everything in these difficult times.
• Give your mentees enough time to process the new normal norms. Keep your expectations
  little low from your mentees as it is really difficult to be fully committed, effective and efficient
  specially when they are under stress or work pressure or have a constant fear of losing loved ones and their
  own safety and security.
• Mentors may not be able to give solutions to each and every problem of mentees however
  they should understand, respect and acknowledge the emotions and feelings of their mentees and just their
  presence as mentors may enhance the level of mentees’ efficacy.
• As mentors, we should lead by examples, we are also managing our stress and emotions and
  may influence directly/ indirectly different skills such as communication and management skills. We need to
  unravel the way we are managing our personal and professional life to our mentees.

Last but not the least, as mentors, we should be super empathetic towards our mentees’ needs and concerns and remember that for any relationship to flourish, empathy, love and trust are required.