Role of the Mentor

Mentors will provide individualized support, assistance and guidance to newcomers or individuals changing positions within the school business profession.

• Listens and communicates effectively with others and is able to provide constructive feedback.
• Recognizes excellence in others and encourages it.
• Commits to supporting and interacting with colleagues.
• Recognizes the needs of others and generally knows when to offer support, direct assistance or independence.
• Exercises good judgment in decisions concerning oneself and the welfare of others.
• Admits mistakes and learns from them.

Mentor Responsibilities

• Enhance the professional development and success of colleagues who are new, need to develop new levels of expertise, are making a career change, or wish to advance in the profession.
• Foster, convey and uphold the standards, norms and values of the school business profession and the MASBO Code of Ethics.
• Share knowledge, insights, materials, skill and experience with colleague.
• Offer support and empower the colleague to fulfill the profession's expectations.
• Commit to be available and accessible both in a structured and an informal manner for the colleague, with a minimum of two contacts per month.
• Define, with the colleague, which roles are most comfortable and natural: listener, supporter, advisor, guide, counselor, role model, friend, nurturer or resource in the background.
• Rise above personal considerations, differences or desires when providing service to those who need professional help or expertise.
• Direct the colleague to appropriate Resource Committee or other resources for answers to technical or specialized questions.
• Support rather than undermine, through word or action, the relationships between colleague and others in the colleague's district.

Successful Colleague Traits

• Is committed to personal growth, continuous learning and excellence in the profession.
• Is willing to accept advice and feedback on what works and what does not work.
• Is honest and willing to share thoughts.
• Can admit mistakes and learn from them.
• Is aware of and affirms the MASBO code of ethics.

How to Participate

Participation is available to all active members. While all new MASBO members will be assigned a mentor, current MASBO members may wish to be assigned a mentor as well. Whether you have recently began your career in school business management, changed positions, or simply wish to become more knowledgeable in additional areas, the mentorship program may be right for you.

Last Modified: 2007-06-01