| BOOK REVIEW The Mentor’s Guide: Facilitating
Effective Learning Relationships Lois Zachary’s new book presents a comprehensive view of the process for developing mentoring relationships. While many books have been written about this important concept, Zachary’s book is built strongly on the research behind mentoring. Thus, instead of focusing solely on how to create successful mentorships, she also educates us on the learning theory behind the process, creating a nice mix of theoretical and practical information. The book uses the analogy of the steps in creating a garden — working the ground, accepting the “seasons” or predictability of life, tilling the soil, planting seeds, nurturing growth, and reaping the harvest. The analogy sets the stage for the author’s emphasis. She says it’s not enough to just throw people into mentoring relationships. Rather, there must be advance preparation to assure both parties understand their own motivations and needs. Assumptions need to be addressed up front. The mentor and the mentee must negotiate each person’s expected outcome. If only one point is taken away from this book, it is that mentoring should include explicit discussion and preparation. Failure to be explicit throughout the process can only lead to frustration and disappointment. I particularly enjoyed her focus on various “soft” issues (e.g., confidentiality, boundaries, and limits) because these factors are often ignored. Zachary notes that honest discussion early on can lay a solid foundation for building trust, thus facilitating positive results for the entire process. She also reminds the reader of the importance of examining and articulating the amount of time both the mentor and the mentee are prepared to devote to developing and maintaining their relationship. The book works well for the reader who is seeking in-depth information about mentor-mentee relationships. It is not a quick or easy read nor would it work for the reader who wants only an overview of the topic. Instead, it provides wonderful opportunities for reflective thinking about mentoring relationships. Exercises to stimulate this reflection are sprinkled throughout the book, plus examples that illustrate the concepts being presented. A bibliography is included for the reader who wants to use this book as a springboard to additional resources. Book reviewet Betty J. Kjellberg, CAE, is principal of Association Solutions, L.LC and can be reached at 480.874.9919 or bettyk@amug.org |