Every mentee is different, and every mentor brings their own experiences, perspectives and assumptions. How can we adapt our approach to build effective mentoring relationships across those differences?
In this ABM Skills Sharing Session, ABM Fellow and Membership Advisor Brenda Etchells is joined by fellow ABM Fellow Sharon Strickland-Clark to explore this question. Drawing on Sharon’s paper, developed with contributions from ABM Fellows, they share practical insights into understanding the individual, recognising our own assumptions and considering the wider environment in which a mentee operates.
Through examples, reflections and discussion with ABM members, the session explores how curiosity, trust and honest conversations can help mentors respond to each person’s needs while supporting their independence and decision making.
This session aligns with Core Competency 2.1: Awareness of Self, Mentee and Environment.
In this session, we cover:
• Recognising differences without relying on stereotypes or labels
• Understanding how our own experiences and reactions influence mentoring conversations
• Adapting communication and checking how questions, silence and challenge are experienced
• Considering the organisational and cultural context surrounding a mentee
• Building trust while respecting privacy and personal boundaries
• Using reflection, supervision and ongoing contracting to strengthen mentoring practice
What you’ll take away:
• Greater awareness of the assumptions you bring to mentoring relationships
• Practical ways to check your understanding and invite honest feedback
• Insights into supporting mentees without rushing to advise or rescue
• A clearer understanding of how to agree and revisit expectations and boundaries
• Ideas for developing approaches together that help mentees take ownership of their next steps
About the speakers
Brenda Etchells is an ABM Fellow and Membership Advisor. In this session, she shares her key learning from Sharon’s paper and leads an open discussion on how mentors can adapt their approach across cultures, generations, genders and communication styles.
Sharon Strickland-Clark is an ABM Fellow and the author of the paper underpinning the session. She contributes examples and reflections from her practice, exploring the influence of wider systems, the importance of reflective practice and the role of connection, curiosity and collaboration in effective mentoring.
👉 Make the most of your ABM membership and watch the recording today.
