DEAR HARRIETTE: I have worked with a lot of people over the years, but very few of them keep in touch. Sometimes it hurts my feelings that I am the one constantly calling or writing or emailing them, and they seem to blow me off. Much to my surprise, there is one young lady, my intern several years ago, who consistently stays in touch. She just visited with me for the second time this year. It feels like a mentor-mentee kind of relationship, which is really nice. But now I'm not sure what to do with it. It's odd. I always wanted the people to stick around, but I find myself at a loss for words sometimes as to what to talk about. Please help me understand how to be a good mentor. -- Mentor in Training, Newark, New Jersey
DEAR MENTOR IN TRAINING: Being a good mentor requires being a great listener. When you engage this woman, ask her about her hopes and dreams. Find out if she is facing stumbling blocks. Get her to talk about what's on her mind in her personal life and her career.
When you hear something you believe you can support her on, speak up and offer your wisdom. When you think you can introduce her to someone who may be able to help her cultivate her vision, set up that meeting. As a mentor, your role is to guide, inspire and speak truth to your mentee.