|
|
|
Building
Trust
A trusting relationship is
essential to effective mentoring. The broad concept of trust
can be explained by four words beginning with the letter C:
- Contextual
Trust means that someone’s relationship has a
broad basis of familiarity. As we get to know the
history and special interests of others we begin to
appreciate them more and trust them more.
-
Communication Trust refers to the willingness to
disclose relevant information. It also refers to
using personal information in a considerate way.
When it comes to giving and receiving support for
lifestyle change, accurate and complete information
is essential. If a person withholds his or her true
feelings, the quality and quantity of support is
undermined. In contrast, when communication trust is
high, information flows freely and is timely.
-
Contractual Trust is developed when people come
to agreement about how the relationship will
function. This doesn’t mean that rules are set in
stone, but it does mean that the helping
relationship is organized in such a way that it
respects time and other commitments.
- Competence
Trust involves respecting people’s knowledge,
skills, abilities and judgments. To establish this
form of trust, the mentor must be clear about his or
her strengths and limitations. In a typical peer
support relationship, the mentor may have little
formal training or experience. Such a mentor could
build trust by seeking out useful information and by
being highly organized in how he or she approaches
supporting lifestyle change.
|
|
