How can you support student leaders in difficult situations?

1 Listen empathetically

One of the most important skills you can offer as a mentor is listening empathetically. This means that you try to understand the student's perspective, feelings, and needs without judging, interrupting, or imposing your own solutions. Listening empathetically can help you build trust, rapport, and respect with the student leader. It can also help you identify the root causes of the problem, the emotions involved, and the possible options for action.

2 Ask open-ended questions

Another way to support student leaders is to ask open-ended questions that encourage them to reflect, explore, and clarify their own thoughts and goals. Open-ended questions are those that cannot be answered with a simple yes or no, but require more elaboration and explanation. For example, you can ask: "What are you hoping to achieve with this project?" "How do you feel about the feedback you received?" "What are some of the challenges you are facing?" "What are some of the resources or support you need?" Asking open-ended questions can help you facilitate learning, problem-solving, and self-awareness for the student leader.

3 Provide constructive feedback

Feedback is essential for any leader to improve their performance, skills, and confidence. However, feedback can also be challenging to give and receive, especially in difficult situations. To provide constructive feedback, you need to be specific, timely, balanced, and respectful. Specific feedback means that you focus on the behavior or outcome, not the person or their character. Timely feedback means that you give it as soon as possible after the event, while it is still fresh and relevant. Balanced feedback means that you highlight both the strengths and the areas for improvement, and provide suggestions or examples. Respectful feedback means that you use a positive and supportive tone, and avoid harsh or personal criticism.

5 Celebrate achievements

Finally, you can support student leaders by celebrating their achievements and acknowledging their efforts. This can help them feel valued, motivated, and confident. You can celebrate achievements by giving praise, recognition, rewards, or feedback. You can also encourage them to celebrate their own achievements and those of their peers. Celebrating achievements can help you foster a positive and supportive culture of leadership among the students.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?