Leadership & Mentorship in Early Childhood Education

Studies have shown that career success, work satisfaction, and resiliency to stress are enhanced by a mentoring relationships (Whetton & Cameron, 2002).

What is a mentoring relationship?

A mentoring relationship is one in which individuals are paired with someone else in the organization that can provide a role model, from whom they can learn, and from whom they can receive attention and reinforcement of self-worth, especially under certain, crucial, and stressful situations (Whetton & Cameron, 2002). Therefore, a mentor is more than an on-the-job trainer.

Another job of a mentor is listening. Mentors temporarily suspend judgments, and allow themselves to be fully present for the other person (Shapiro, 1999). A mentor focuses on the relationship and listening is a critical skill in mentoring.

Most often young professionals select their own mentor. In other cases a mentor is paired with an apprentice or protégé. A protégé is interested in learning and developing his or her potential. The protégé shares ideas and seeks insights from a mentor, asks questions, listens and uses the mentor as a role model.

How is mentoring different from being a trainer?

A trainer's primary focus is the product, process, and procedures defined within the scope of the organization. A trainer should also be somewhat more knowledgable than those he/she is teaching. In this respect, the trainer is viewed as a leader, or a teacher sharing their knowledge with the less familiar coworkers. True leaders understand the value in sharing their knowledge and experiences. True leaders want to help others succeed, as well as trying to help the organization succeed in its visions and goals for future endeavors.

Become familiar with the many definitions in early childhood education that support adult learning and collegial support of others.

Shapiro, S. (1999). Listening for success. USA: Chica Publications.

Whetton, D.A. & Cameron, K.S. (2002). Developing management skills 5th ed. Upper Saddle River: Prentice Hall.

The leadership instinct you are born with is the backbone. You develop the funny bone and the wishbone that go with it.

Elaine Agather