10 Common Mistakes Pediatric Therapy Mentors Make

Pediatric therapy mentors have an exciting opportunity to become a leader in their field and to hone their clinical skills. However, this experience requires the investment of their time, energy, and resources, so it should not be taken lightly. To make mentorship a positive experience for both you and your mentee, here are 10 common mistakes to avoid that therapists from Chicago Speech and Occupational Therapy have found that mentors make in the field.

Mistake #1 – Trying to be your mentee’s friend

As a new mentor, you may feel the need to be friends with your mentee since you want your mentee to like you and relate to you. But keep in mind that this is a professional relationship.

You are a role model and mentor to this person. Keep the relationship professional to create mutual respect between you and your mentee.

Mistake #2 – Not providing clear expectations

Be sure to provide clear expectations throughout the mentorship. This way your mentee knows what is expected of them at all times and this will allow for the mentorship to run smoothly.

Mistake #3 – Not setting weekly/monthly goals

Provide your mentee with weekly and monthly goals. You can also collaborate with your mentee to have them create their own goals. Having goals creates motivation and the feeling of success when those goals are met.

Mistake #4 – Not making time to meet with your mentee

Be sure to block off time for a meeting in your schedule and your mentee’s schedule. It is important to have a set time to meet so you can go over the agenda, goals, growth, and competencies for the next week. It is also important for your mentee to have the time to reflect and ask any questions that they have had. If an in-person meeting is not possible, find a time you are both available to meet by phone.

Mistake #5 – Being a poor role model

As a mentor, you are the person your mentee looks up to and wants to be like. Be a role model and demonstrate how to be a professional clinician at your practice. Your mentee is learning from you, so set a good example for them.

Mistake #6 – Not allowing mistakes

Allowing and accepting mistakes is important for learning. Your mentee will make mistakes just as you did when you were a new clinician. Be supportive and coach your mentee through their mistakes and how to correct it for the next time.

Mistake #7 – Not building a trusting relationship

You should trust your mentee and your mentee should trust you. Maintain confidentiality with what your mentee shares with you. Be an active listener and provide support. By building trust, your mentee will be more open and vulnerable which will allow them to ask more questions and come to you with any issues that arise.

Mistake #8 – You’re too eager to provide solutions

As a new mentor you may be excited to help your new mentee in any way you can and jump right in to giving them solutions to every issue that arises. Yes, you are there to guide your mentee, but they also have to learn to problem solve for themselves. You can ask them what they think an appropriate solution would be and provide assistance from there if needed.

Mistake #9 – Not tailoring to your mentee’s learning style

As a mentor, you will need to learn to tailor your guidance and teaching style to your mentee. Every person learns and takes criticism differently. People also learn at different paces. You need to get to know your mentee and how their mind works. Ask your mentee to share how they learn best so you can tailor your teaching methods to help them be a successful clinician.

Mistake #10 – Not accepting feedback from the mentee

Yes, you are there to guide and provide feedback to your mentee, BUT it is as equally important for you ask for and accept feedback from your mentee. As a mentor, you are growing into a leader and a teacher. There is always room for growth, so be sure to listen to feedback from your mentee. This will help you learn how you can better support your mentee’s specific learning needs. Having your mentee give you feedback also gives the mentee a sense of empowerment and allows them to have a voice in the process.

Get Help with the Pediatric Occupational Therapy Training and Mentoring Guide

The Pediatric Occupational Therapy Training and Mentoring Step By Step Guide will help you expand your leadership skills, develop a new professional role, and make an impact on the future of the field.

Successful mentors will tell you there is significant work required for this role, but with the right tools, you can avoid feeling overwhelmed by the experience.  This Pediatric Occupational Therapy Training and Mentoring Guide offers strategies and outlines action items to help you become the best effective mentor possible.

The goal is for you to feel adequately prepared to support your mentee throughout their journey as a new clinician.

This post was written by occupational therapists from Chicago Occupational Therapy.