Books are some of our greatest teachers, and a great place to start for anyone looking to gain more knowledge that will help them become a better mentor. From leadership to communication, there are numerous excellent resources available for brushing up on your skills or learning about the latest trends.
We asked Femme Palette mentor Danial Hassan for his recommendations and here are some of the top books he suggests mentors (and anyone looking to improve these skills) check out:
One Minute Mentoring: How to Find and Work With a Mentor – And Why You’ll Benefit from Being One by Claire Diaz-Ortiz and Ken Blanchard
If you’re looking for a quick overview of mentoring in under 200 pages, this is the book for you. Through the telling of a fictional story, the authors outline actionable steps for building a successful mentoring relationship.
Five Stars: The Communication Secrets to Get from Good to Great by Carmine Gallo
Master the art of communication and persuasion with this book by the author of bestseller Talk Like TED. Communication is key to any good mentoring relationship (or any relationship, for that matter) and this book is a great resource for learning how to communicate in a way that inspires.
You’ve Got 8 Seconds by Paul Hellman
The average attention span is eight seconds. That means you only have eight seconds to get your audience interested in what you have to say. The techniques outlined in this book can help you engage your mentee from the get-go and keep their attention throughout your sessions.
Surrounded by Idiots by Thomas Erikson
Do you ever feel like there are some people you just don’t understand, no matter how hard you try? Communications expert, Thomas Erikson, dives into why we struggle to connect with some people and offers valuable insight on how to communicate with various types of people.
Start With Why by Simon Sinek
Simon Sinek’s TED Talk by the same name holds the coveted spot as the third most-watched TED Talk ever, and for good reason. Understanding your ‘why’ and your mentee’s ‘why’ will help you be a more inspirational leader and mentor.
Act Like a Leader, Think Like a Leader by Herminia Ibarra
If improving your leadership skills is one of your professional development goals, this book is a great place to start. The author’s philosophy of learning through action will not only help you improve your leadership skills, but is also a concept that can be applied to mentoring. The more you mentor, the better mentor you will become.
Leaders Eat Last by Simon Sinek
This Simon Sinek classic focuses on how great leaders build trust with their teams. Trust is essential for the success of a mentoring relationship and an important part of being in any influential or leadership position.
How Successful People Grow: 15 Ways to Get Ahead in Life by John C. Maxwell
Short and sweet (coming in at just under 150 pages), this book offers valuable insight on how to reach your full potential and will leave you feeling inspired to make a difference in the lives of others. This is a great resource to refer to while helping your mentee grow and work toward their goals.
How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
This book is a must-read when it comes to mastering people skills. Dale Carnegie’s techniques for handling people are timeless and will be a great asset to both you and your mentee throughout the mentoring process.
Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol S. Dweck
This book explores the power of mindset and the impact it can have on what you’re able to achieve. The right mindset is a key aspect when it comes to motivating and inspiring your mentee and helping them reach their goals.
With just a fraction of the insight outlined in these books, you may be ready to start your mentoring journey. Have you thought about becoming a mentor? Learn more about our program and how to apply here.
