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While mentors are usually the ones doling out advice to the newbies, mentors can actually learn a thing or two from their mentees.
Although traditionally seen as a one-way learning experience, a mentor-mentee relationship might actually be mutually beneficial, according to the ABA Journal.
So what can your mentee teach you?
Career coach Cordell Parvin observed a mentoring relationship between a partner and an associate at a Canadian law firm. Based on the mentee's experience, there are a couple things partners can learn from their mentee relationships.
First is giving props when props are due. One thing the mentee experienced was that her mentor would acknowledge her contribution to the firm's success. While the partner or supervising attorney usually gets all the glory when the client is a victor, staff members and associates usually play a key supporting role. So if your mentee's enthusiasm and work ethic helped you win a case, let me know that you appreciate their help.
Mentors should also make time to build work relationships. Managing your case load can result in tunnel vision and take away from opportunities to build relationships with your mentee or staff. Mentees usually clear their schedules for some quality time with their mentor. As a mentor, you should adopt a similar mindset. Making time to connect on a more personal level builds trust and allows you to have a better understanding of their skill set. Once you get to know your mentee better, you'll be able to assign them work that'll plays to their strengths, which will benefit the firm.
If you're currently mentoring an associate or a law clerk, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
Having a good relationship with your mentee can benefit you in the future. Who knows? Maybe you'll be asking them for advice one day.
Have more mentoring tips? Share with us on Twitter.
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