Listen Well by Listening Actively

In the movie Inside Out, the feelings of a little girl, Riley, are personified as different characters.  For example, there is “Joy,” “Sadness,” “Anger,” and “Disgust.”  The movie mostly takes place in her mind, as we see Joy, Sadness, Anger, and Disgust interacting...

Help the Mentee Determine What to Work on

As two devastated disciples plodded toward Emmaus along the dusty road, a stranger approached and walked beside them.  He plied them with questions:  “What are you discussing together as you walk along?”  When they related that they were discussing recent events in...

Mentoring and Coaching People through Their Strengths

For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Psalm 139:13-14a. Our Creator intricately and intentionally wove together every detail of your mentees’ beings.  They are blessed with...

Deal with Mentees’ Discouragement about Progress

When mentees are discouraged about lack of progress on a goal or action step, remind them first that these plans are not laws from God.  Mentees have not sinned just because they did not complete their action steps last week.  Be careful of giving the appearance of...

Review the Mentee’s Progress

Many people believe the old American proverb:  “practice makes perfect.”  In other words, if you practice a skill long enough (e.g., learning to play the piano), you will eventually perfect that skill.   However, this proverb is partially incorrect.  Here is the...

How to Make the Most of Accidental Mentors

My back is sore.   My knee aches.   And I’m tired.   I stare at my row machine, barbell, and bench.   I don’t want to lift.   Maybe I should go clean the toilets? Or how about getting a head start on my taxes? Anything but another backbreaking WOD (Workout of the...