How to Mentor Anyone in Academia

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A practical guide to the art of mentorship in higher education

Mentoring is integral to how academics are formed and what trajectories their careers will take. Yet until recently, no one was trained to do it, and many academics have ingrained assumptions about mentorship that no longer fit the lives, needs, and aspirations of mentees. How to Mentor Anyone in Academia shares proven techniques for the professional development of junior faculty, postdocs, and graduate students in today's rapidly changing academic landscape.

Drawing on her experience as a professional coach who has worked closely with hundreds of students and faculty across the humanities, sciences, and social sciences, Maria LaMonaca Wisdom coaches readers in how to create their own signature approach to mentoring. She highlights the importance of honoring the unique backgrounds, values, and goals of mentees, and of self-knowledge and self-reflection for mentors. Through a series of "coaching moments," Wisdom enables readers to reflect on a range of relevant topics, including empathy and active listening, clarifying expectations, balancing firmness with heart, being attentive to power dynamics, time management and setting goals, mentoring for careers beyond the academy, and self-care for both mentors and mentees.

Incisive and accessible, How to Mentor Anyone in Academia offers strategies and tools supported by the latest data on effective mentorship, helping mentors and mentees build dynamic relationships, identify what's working and what's not, and map out strategies for continued growth.

Author Bio

Maria LaMonaca Wisdom is assistant vice provost for faculty advancement at Duke University. Formerly a professor of literature and a graduate student adviser, she now holds a faculty appointment in the Program in Education at Duke. She is also a professional certified coach (PCC) through the International Coaching Federation.