2.1 The Characteristics of a Good Mentor

The characteristics of a good mentor are found in countless studies on the topic. Perhaps the hallmark of effective mentoring is honesty. The mentor possesses the ability to build trust and to harness the full potential of the mentee (Foster, 2001; Straus, Johnson, Marquez, & Feldman, 2013). Other characteristics of a mentor may include the following:

• Commitment to the mentee’s intellectual growth, academic development, and cultural integration;
• Effective nonverbal and verbal communication skills;
• Behaves with integrity, is trustworthy, and has respect for others;
• Willingness to consult with others for advice and assistance;
• Willingness to be a confidant and a friend;
• Tolerance and respect for different viewpoints;
• Understanding and flexibility;
• Attentiveness
• Diplomatic nature
• Perceptiveness; and
• Reflectiveness

The traits of the mentor directly affect the success of the mentoring experience. A mentor’s personality, style, demeanor, and attitude partly influence and shape the mentee’s confidence, work ethic, overall academic performance, and outlook on life.