Mentoring

<body topmargin=0 leftmargin=0 marginheight=0 marginwidth=0> <table cellpadding=0 cellspacing=0 border=0><tr> <td valign="top" colspan=2 height=90 BGCOLOR="#006699" TEXT="#080000" bgproperties="fixed" background="133285a1erlcgo.png"> <div> <FONT SIZE="5" COLOR="#FFCC66" FACE="Arial" ><B>Highland Llamas</B></FONT><B>    </B><B> |     </B><A HREF="index.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Highland Llamas"><B>home</B></A><B>          </B><A HREF="id53.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Operations"><B>Operations</B></A><B>          </B><A HREF="id48.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Published Articles"><B>Published Articles</B></A></div> <div> <A HREF="id54.htm" TARGET="_top" TITLE="Ethical Behavior">Ethical Behavior</A>   |   <B>Mentoring</B></div> <div> </div> </td> </tr><tr> <td valign="top" width=210 BGCOLOR="#FFCC66" TEXT="#080000" background="132d2c00dkelyh.png"> <bR> </td> <td valign="top" height=390 width="100%" BGCOLOR="#FFFFFF" TEXT="#080000"> <div> <I><B>Mentoring</B></I></div> <div> <I>By Dan and Marilyn Milton</I> </div> <bR> <div> <I>Young King Arthur had Merlin the Magician. United States Presidents James Madison and James Monroe had Thomas Jefferson. Just what is it that these successful people had? Each had a strong person who recognized their potential, cultivated their talents, and helped them to succeed. Each had a </I><FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" ><I><B>mentor</B></I></FONT><I>.</I></div> <bR> <div> No one is born with the wisdom to know the best course of action, the correct response to every situation, or answers to all the questions we are faced with. If we seek help from knowledgeable and experienced people, we, as mentees, can achieve our goals faster and avoid making mistakes and wasting valuable time.</div> <bR> <div> Such knowledgeable and experienced people, called mentors, take a personal interest in the mentee and serve as role models, coaches, and confidantes, offering knowledge, insight, perspective and wisdom to the mentee. Mentors can be found everywhere. Think about your work. Was there someone who helped you get started in your career, offering advice and guidance, showing you how things worked and how to get things done? How about your education? Was there a teacher who took a special interest in you and who had an especially positive influence on your life? Each one of you could probably name at least two people who had a profound positive effect on your life.</div> <bR> <div> In the "Man of La Mancha" Don Quixote stated<B> </B><I><B>"Love not what thou art, only what thou may become." </B></I></div> <bR> <div> Fitting words which Marilyn and I took to heart. We were mentored when we became new llama and alpaca owners and for many years we have been mentors to several new owners. We have seen and felt the positive effects that mentoring has achieved-both in the growth of the new owners and in our own personal growth. Using the mentor concept within a local llama or alpaca Association helps new, as well as established, lama owners achieve their potential and receive the most benefits from owning llamas and alpacas and participating in their local Association.</div> <bR> <div> Easing the Transition<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Most new owners join a local Association because they have problems and/or needs. They believe that improving their skills may help them or offer them greater personal satisfaction. They expect the Association to help them solve their problems and meet their needs. In unfamiliar situations, people need support, personal contact, and reassurance. The local Association officers play important roles by explaining the benefits provided by the Association persuading new owners to join and then briefly reviewing activities and responsibilities. While beneficial, this does not provide the individual ongoing support new owners need. Mentors provide this valuable personal attention.</div> <bR> <div> Benefits for New Owners</div> <bR> <div> A new owner, under the tutelage of a mentor, reaps a number of benefits. He/she… <I>Learns what resources are available in the local area.</I> <I>Learns new skills.</I> <I>Develops confidence.</I> <I>Participates in the local Association.</I> <I>Gains greater personal satisfaction.</I></div> <bR> <div> Benefits for Experienced Owners</div> <bR> <div> With a mentor's guidance, a more experienced owner…</div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Further refines skills</I></div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Learns new skills</I></div> <bR> <div> Sometimes experienced owners' skills can become a bit rusty or they may have a desire to learn skills that they do not yet have. That's when a mentor can provide some helpful feedback that will encourage the experienced owner to build upon other experience, to introduce new skills, or perhaps revitalize the skills they already posses, whether it be in marketing, showing, driving, breeding, packing, spinning, shearing, pasture management or working with youth. There are always better, more efficient or more enjoyable ways to get things done.</div> <bR> <div> Benefits for Mentors</div> <bR> <div> Those who serve as mentors to new or experienced owners also profit. They…</div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Learn from their mentees</I> - mentees often offer new information and perspectives.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Remain productive</I> - mentors continue to make use of their own knowledge and skills.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Do something for others</I> - much can be said for the pleasure we receive from helping someone else. To do so is not only a confirmation of our own skills, but we also feel good about ourselves when we help someone achieve their goals.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Receive recognition</I> - mentors are respected and appreciated by fellow owners for helping people; their reputations are enhanced. Mentors also earn the gratitude of their mentees.</div> <bR> <div> Benefits for Associations</div> <bR> <div> The Association as a whole, benefits too. Associations that encourage owners to mentor one another…</div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Create more knowledgeable owners</I> - they gain knowledge and skills and develop long-lasting friendships.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Have more satisfied owners </I>- they continue to learn and grow and enjoy; gaining a higher confidence level.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Have greater participation in the Association activities </I>- when owners are satisfied, there is greater participation in all activities-including its governing.</div> <bR> <div> Starting a mentor program will help a local Association to be full of active, involved, satisfied owners.</div> <bR> <div> Mentor Qualities</div> <bR> <div> Before we review what mentors do, let's look at some important characteristics that we should possess to be effective mentors. A good mentor is…</div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Available</I> - to spend time with new or experienced owners. To visit their farm or ranch. To invite them to yours. To be available to answer questions in person or on the phone.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Patient </I>- people learn at varying speeds, and some need more guidance than others.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Sensitive </I>- tact and diplomacy are vital. We should motivate and encourage the mentee.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Respectful </I>- everyone is different. A mentor respects the differences between himself, the mentee, and others. We should be loyal and take care not to betray mentees' confidences.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Flexible </I>- not everything happens according to plan. We should adapt and adjust to various situations and accept that mentees may make mistakes or make decisions with which we may not agree.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Supportive of the Association </I>- we should show our pride in our<I> </I>Association and what it has done, and can do, for owners. <I>Knowledgeable </I>- before we can help someone else, it is necessary for us to be knowledgeable and have developed sufficient skills in those specialties that are part of our operation.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Confident </I>- we need to be self-assured and friendly.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">A good listener </I>- simply listening, without taking on the other person's problem, can be of great help to the mentee. Just by listening we can enable the mentee to articulate the problem and help sort things out.</div> <bR> <div> The Mentoring Steps</div> <bR> <div> The duties of mentors will vary, depending on whether their mentees are new owners or experienced owners. Trying to explain everything at once to a new owner will only confuse and discourage. When the basic information building blocks are provided over several visits or several months it is less overwhelming and more likely to be understood and remembered. Following are some suggestions about what to tell new owners and when to tell them. As a mentor, when we first begin working with a new mentee, we should:</div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Visit with the new owner</I> - at his/her farm or ranch or have him/her come to yours. Explain the basics of your operation and answer any questions the mentee may have. Include an explanation of why you do what you do.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Orient the new owner to the local llama or alpaca community</I> - help the mentee become comfortable with the sources of help that are available and help the mentee become a part of the local llama and alpaca community encouraging active participation.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Explain how to get involved </I>- introduce new owners to other owners of the llama or alpaca community. Take them to a meeting of your local Association. Involve them in projects.</div> <bR> <div> Next, a mentor should:</div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Make mentees aware of resources</I> - if your local Association has a library, show it to the mentee. Point out other sources of information (magazines, videos, and books). Discuss who in your area has what specific expertise. Discuss local veterinary coverage.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Provide positive feedback </I>- the first few weeks of new ownership are critical. Mentees should feel that they are already benefiting from owning llamas or alpacas. Follow and compliment them on their progress.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Explain responsibilities - </I>ownership is more than just owning llamas and alpacas. There is a responsibility to provide a level of care that these animals deserve. It also means a commitment to helping others within the llama or alpaca community become successful.</div> <bR> <div> Eventually, mentors should:</div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Tell how we've benefited - </I>share our own goals and aspirations with the mentees and how we have benefited from the program. We are proof that they can achieve their own goals.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Invite the mentee to other events </I>-<I> </I>regional or national shows, auctions, seminars, conferences offer mentees the opportunity to extend their learning and participation.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Acknowledge progress </I>- ask for time during an Association meeting to mention your mentee and his/her progress in the program. Such recognition shows that the Association cares about the mentee's progress, and motivates the mentee to continue.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Explain Association leadership duties </I>- describe how the mentee can develop leadership skills by serving on a committee of the Association or as an Association director or officer.</div> <bR> <div> Remember that new owners tend to be shy. Take the initiative to contact them. Be positive, friendly, and helpful. Remember that you can help your mentee in person, and by telephone, fax, or electronic mail. Also keep in mind that new owners provide new perspectives.</div> <bR> <div> Mentoring Experienced Owners<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> If you mentor a more experienced owner, then you most likely will not need to spend time orienting the mentee. Instead, your duties will depend on what new skills your mentee specifically wants to learn or possibly what skills he/she would like to improve.</div> <bR> <div> For example, if your mentee wants to learn how to be more confident showing his llamas or alpacas, you could provide some books or videos on the subject which you have found helpful. Recommend that the mentee observe local and regional shows or attend show clinics. Provide one-on-one coaching, watching the mentee when he/she shows and offer suggestions for enhancing his/her capabilities.</div> <bR> <div> If your mentee wants to learn leadership skills, encourage him/her to serve as an Association officer or director and then give them feedback on performance.</div> <bR> <div> Qualities of Mentees<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> So far, we have discussed the responsibilities of mentors. If a mentor/mentee relationship is to be successful, however, mentees have responsibilities and obligations as well. To receive maximum benefit from the relationship, mentees should be:</div> <bR> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Eager to learn</I> - willing to take on new challenges.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Receptive </I>- open to feedback, viewing it as an opportunity to improve themselves.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Open to new ideas </I>- able to see things from other perspectives. <I>Loyal </I>- should not violate confidences or trust.</div> <div> <I><IMG BORDER="0" SRC="Symb075c00b700f000000000.png" HEIGHT="16" WIDTH="24" ALIGN="bottom" HSPACE="0" VSPACE="0">Grateful </I>- appreciate the help their mentors are giving.</div> <bR> <div> A Finite Relationship<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> While a mentor/mentee relationship requires time and commitment, the relationship does not last forever - nor should it. The purpose of a mentor is to help the mentee to think and act independently and successfully. Once mentees have developed to the point where they are functioning effectively on their own, mentor's services are no longer needed. Most likely the mentor/mentee relationship turns into a strong, warm friendship. Mentors can find new mentees to help, and former mentees have the skill and knowledge to become mentors themselves.</div> <bR> <div> Closing<FONT SIZE="3" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" > </FONT></div> <bR> <div> Whom do you know in your local llama or alpaca community or local Association that you can help learn new skills? A mentor/mentee relationship provides many opportunities, offers many challenges, and has many rewards. Experience them for yourself. Benefit from the skills of a mentor - or become a mentor and share those benefits with others. Mentoring is…</div> <bR> <div> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >"A program with the proven success to improve</FONT> <FONT SIZE="4" COLOR="#000000" FACE="Arial" >personal satisfaction and self-esteem…"</FONT> </div> <bR> <div> _________________________ </div> <div> <I>Dan and Marilyn Milton have been mentors for many years to new llama owners. They have seen the positive effects that mentoring has achieved - both in the growth of the new owners and in their own growth. The program they have put together is one that local Associations can implement for their membership. For more information on the program have your Association call Dan or Marilyn at 541 899 8097 or e-mail them at dmmilton@charter.net.</I></div> <bR> <bR> </td> </tr></table></body>