This topic is adapted from the SketchX YouTube channel. This is part 3 of 3 in the FLEXTALK 101 series.

This topic is for anyone who wants to learn how to mentor using the free tools at FLEXTALK.org, and it will walk you through the third part of “The Loop”:

The goal of the FLEXTALK resources is to empower conversations. This means we want to get you talking, but not just with your mentor. We also want you to be empowered to mentor someone else. And we want that person to be empowered to help yet another person. In this way, we want to impact the world for the better through meaningful conversations and meaningful relationships.

The transition from the “invest” phase to the “empower” phase is simple: use the Train link in the top menu. That’s where you can find this training series, along with other helpful training topics to discuss with your group or mentor. But just like the “invest” phase may take months or even years, the “empower” phase is also a process. We’ve broken it down into five parts:

#1: Train

This training series is the first step to empowering someone to become a mentor. Go through all three parts of this series, and then be prepared for additional training conversations from the “Train” page.

#2: Practice

Mentoring takes practice. So find a topic, learn about it, and practice leading the conversation as if you were the mentor.

#3: Encourage

Mentoring can be challenging and intimidating. That’s why the mentor-in-training must be encouraged to press on. The trainer needs to be the cheerleader at this phase.

#4: Mobilize

It’s easy to get stuck in the third phase, feeling empowered but not actually doing anything. Get out there! To mobilize a mentor-in-training, the trainer might need to help make a mentoring connection or two.

#5: Follow Up

Once the new mentor is mobilized, the trainer’s job isn’t done. Be sure to follow up on a regular basis to continue offering support and encouragement in that new relationship. We suggest covering a new mentoring topic from the Train page every month or so for continuing education.

That’s it! You’ve completed the third topic in the FLEXTALK 101 series. But you’ve only gotten started. Now continue to work your way through the “empower” phase of mentoring until you’re successfully out there changing the world through meaningful conversations and relationships.

To join our team and become a registered mentor at FLEXTALK.org, click here. Registering helps us to know the impact our tools are making around the world, and it gives you a way to join in our community.

Discussion Questions:

  1. Watch the video together or invite someone to summarize the topic.
  2. What is your initial reaction to this video? Do you disagree with any of it? What jumped out at you?
  3. In your own words, explain the point of the “empower” phase.
  4. How long do you think you’ll need before you’re ready to mobilize as a mentor? Explain.
  5. Browse some of the training topics at FLEXTALK.org/train. Which of those topics do you want to talk through before you’re ready to start mentoring?
  6. Develop an action plan for the next few weeks as you work your way through the “empower” phase.