Do you want your leadership to matter? Do you desire to leave a legacy and make your mark on the world? Consider the benefits of mentoring, not just for those who seek your guidance, but for your own self-worth and happiness.

Do you want your leadership to matter? Do you desire to leave a legacy and make your mark on the world? Consider the benefits of mentoring, not just for those who seek your guidance, but for your own self-worth and happiness.

Experts say mentorship not only helps us feel connected to others and the world, it also fosters an inner meaning that is more powerful than money or possessions. Mentors, as they guide and teach someone, typically feel a sense of productivity and that they are making a difference in the world.

Here are five motivating mentorship tips that will contribute to you being content from within:

1. Wear many hats. As mentor, you are part counselor, coach, advisor, master, teacher, therapist, preceptor and listener all rolled into one. An effective mentor can seamlessly transition from one role to another based on a mentee’s needs at the time. Set your role as one that far transcends advice-giving.
2. Tell bridging stories. When it comes to delivering advice, a story is usually better-received than just a straightforward solution. Try to connect their problems with situations you have previously faced; create parallels and let them come to their own conclusions.
3. Clearly communicate what you know. It’s likely you’re regarded as an expert in your field or area of responsibility. But that doesn’t mean you should throw out the jargon, acronyms and buzzwords. Be simple and clear when you communicate the lessons you’ve learned or the guidance you’re offering. It is essential that you speak in a way that makes sense, as well as in a way that your mentee can learn from.
4. Be an emotional intelligence role model. Demonstrating self-awareness, self-management, empathy and relationship management competencies are the defining components of building a high emotional intelligence (EQ), which research shows contributes to a greater success rate in all professional roles. By being an EQ role model, your mentee will see both the ways to manifest that type of intelligence effectively and the resulting positive impacts of being in sound control of one’s emotional core.
5. Keep it confidential. The cornerstone of mentorship is trust. It’s important to make sure that nothing is ever shared without permission, even if you think it would be to your mentee’s benefit. Strive to be the kind of mentor that can always be relied upon.

Regarding mentoring, British Statesman and Novelist Benjamin Disraeli said, “the greatest good you can do for another is not just to share your riches, but to reveal to him his own.” And perhaps this is the greatest good you can do for yourself, in turn.