“I want to be the next you.”
Having a student say that they want to be like you is a simultaneously shocking and humbling thing. My summer student saying this to me made me realize we often go through our careers unaware of the impact we have on our colleagues. I’d like to take a look at what makes a good mentor and why.
Demonstrate a positive attitude and be a positive role model.
I remember working as a 4th year pharmacy student in 2010 with a relief pharmacist and thinking “wow! I’ve never seen anyone do that before” and “that’s how I want to practice.” I watched him first introduce himself to the patient, then tell the patient how nice it was to meet them before proceeding with the medication counsel. As mentors we need to model the behaviors we want to see.
Exhibit enthusiasm for the profession
Are you still enthusiastic about your career? Do your co-workers look up to you? If you love what you do, it will be contagious. Not only can we have positive impacts on our customers, we have a strong influence on those with whom we work daily. We can make a difference! I sat in a training room this week and listened as a pharmacist recounted stories about her practice. It was evident that she loves her work and her enthusiasm was contagious!
Value ongoing learning and growth in the field
As mentors we must not become stagnant in our career. Staying up to date with changes in the profession and with new information will be noticed by the upcoming generation.
When I graduated from pharmacy school pharmacists were not immunizing or prescribing. Both of these came shortly afterwards and while there was some hesitation at first, I completed the necessary training and sought out resources to prepare for this new opportunity.
Celebrate your career successes and milestones
Have you shared with your mentee how you started your career? This is often done by outlining the steps to take to become successful in a given field. I started off as a pharmacy assistant and had a great mentor who encouraged me to follow my dream to pharmacy school. After graduation I worked as a relief pharmacist and in interim store pharmacy manager positions. I set goals for myself and achieved them. You can too!
Be a good teacher / communicator
Effective teachers inspire rather than inform.
Great mentors push your thinking and help you grow in new ways. I remember asking my preceptors specific questions and being told “to look it up”. These words caused frustration at the time but I quickly realized it was a beneficial process.
Are you excited to share your knowledge with new people entering the field? I challenge you to take your role seriously in teaching your knowledge to others.
As mentors we need to model the behaviors we’re looking for in our co-workers. Don’t expect your team to comply with policies/procedures if you are not willing to comply with them yourself. Be a leader in the profession.
Is it always easy? No, of course not. But these are some of the attributes a young student is looking for in a mentor and I can promise you it is a fabulous feeling when a young person chooses you as their mentor.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency, employer or affiliation.
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