July Question of the Month - Join the conversation and receive a badge

Rebeca S.

Last month’s question has been one of my favorites so far. I knew you were awesome at your jobs, but you really surprised me with the wide range of knowledge, and experiences you have!

We got coffee connoisseurs, bee keepers, fitness enthusiasts, a fingerboarding expert, and a whole assortment of artists. One of you trains animals, AND was a grand master of Dance Dance Revolution. 🤯 You’re the coolest people, and no one can convince me otherwise.

Now, who’s ready for a new question? Earn badges and points while getting to know your peers!

In one word only, what makes a good mentor?

Think of the best mentors you’ve had, which qualities made them truly stand out? Choose one that made a difference for you! Share your responses in the comments section below. ⬇️

About Question of the Month:

We kick off each month with a new question. These monthly ice breakers are just one way to help you get to know your Smartsheet peers and rack up some badges and points in the process.

Everyone who participates by answering the question prior to the end of the month will automatically receive a unique participant badge once the question closes at the end of the month.

In addition to the participant badge, the top three answers based on Community member votes will receive the Top Answer badge. To vote on an answer click on the upvote icon associated with an answer in the comments below. Multiple votes allowed and encouraged!

Sing C

Too many words to choose from but if it can only be one it has to be….

Inspiring

When I think about the great mentors I've had, they have been people I've looked up to, have values that align to mine, and serve as an example of what is possible.

Monique Odom-Stearn

Encouraging

andi.wilson

Trustworthy

Kathy N

Compassion

Marlana K.

Patience

AntonioC

Guiding

The key role of a mentor is to listen and guide, providing the clarity that mentees are looking for to navigate through unknown and uncertainty.

ChrisStrube

This is tough. I can't find the right word, so I'm going to go with

Partner

I have enormous respect for anyone who is willing to roll up their sleeves and get into the dirt with me. Being a mentor is more than telling someone how to do something. It's important to show them how. I've had several mentor/managers in the past who filled this role well. It was very comforting to know when the going got tough, I always I had a partner by my side.

Debbie Sawyer

Attentive

Humashankar

Encouragement

MMcLain

Unbiased

They weigh in and provide you with fair and unbiased opinion.

Bruce Case

WILLINGNESS

Meaning, a mentor must have the willingness to want to be a mentor

joelsmit94161

One mentor that comes to mind is my Martial Arts Teacher. I was a skinny kid with asthma, a learning disability, and no athletic ability. He taught me that I am more than my disability. Three years into the program, I was a top student, I had control over my grades and my asthma, and a first degree black belt. By the time I attained my second degree black belt I had my own key to the dojang, and was teaching classes a couple times a week.

JenniferTorres

Invested

Mark Rojas

Vision - They don't need to have all the answers but they do need a direction or target for those that do have answers or those that create solutions, to shoot for. This applies both to the project and their subordinates.

~MR

Will Duplex

HONEST

I've found the most value from my mentor through them being honest with me. Sometimes, I need someone to tell me straight what their thoughts are, and drop the corporate jargon. Whether that's ascertaining a complex and nuanced situation, or by providing direct feedback without mincing words - a mentor who's honest will always be of value to their mentee and to the relationship.