Why is it so hard to listen?

Given that we have had an entire lifetime to develop our listening skills, why is it that many of us are such poor listeners?  One thing is very clear:  while we have had formal training on how to read, write and communicate, most of us have had no formal training on how to listen.

Why is listening so hard? (more…)

Coming to Closure

The final phase of the mentoring cycle, coming to closure, offers a wonderful opportunity to reflect on learning, raise the bar on future performance and celebrate success.

Mentoring partnerships that complete their learning goals and those that do not, both benefit from a positive closure experience. How mentors and mentees seek to move on is often as important as the lessons they have learned in the relationship. (more…)