As today’s world presents greater demands and bigger challenges, it’s not surprising that more and more people are seeking the help of a mentor. A great mentor does an amazing job of inspiring and guiding individuals to meet their full potential. If done right, mentoring is one of the most fulfilling jobs you can have. Everyone who wishes to be a mentor, though, should understand that the job entails a huge responsibility.

From the very first time you meet a potential mentee everything you do and say can trigger a major positive or negative effect. So what are the important traits that a mentor needs to be able to prepare someone for success and excellence? As they say, it is impossible to offer something you don’t have. So the journey to amazing mentorship should start within yourself. The following are six qualities you must strive to develop if you want to be an exceptional mentor.

Show genuine concern and interest.

Mentors and mentees should maintain a professional relationship. A competent mentor, though, is not afraid to get up close and personal with their client. As a mentor, you need to make an effort to know your mentees on a more personal level. You do this because it is the best way to understand their behaviors and present the best solutions. It does not have to be a difficult task as long as you are genuinely concerned and interested in your mentees.

Display emotional intelligence.

Trust is a vital factor in the mentoring process. Your mentees need to be comfortable in communicating their predicaments and sharing ideas with you. Mentors who are emotionally intelligent know how to make their mentees feel safe and comfortable. You gain their trust by being sensitive and compassionate. This involves knowing when to press for more information and when to stop. It also includes listening to their concerns without being judgmental or defensive. A mentor who is emotionally intelligent knows how to adapt to the specific moods and attitudes of their clients.

Be ready to go above and beyond.

Mediocrity has no place in excellent mentorship. To see a dramatic, positive transformation in your mentees lives, you have to pour your heart into every task. Likewise, your actions exemplify your passion on mentoring. It means being  willing to do more than what is required and going out of your way to offer assistance. Your hard work and dedication alone can greatly motivate your mentee to aspire for greatness.

Practice what you preach.

Being a good role model may be an adage you’re tired of hearing. The importance of this message, though, never wanes no matter how many times you have heard it. You can lecture your mentees all day about success strategies and principles. But don’t forget that the best way to influence someone is through your actions. As you make sure that your behaviors do not contradict the things you say, you earn respect and inspire others at the same time.

Have a long-term mindset.

Mentors don’t intend to stay in the shadow of their mentees forever. Your main goal is to reach a focal point where mentees are strong and independent enough to make it on their own. You cannot do this by solely providing short term and immediate solutions. From the start, you need to equip your clients with traits and skills that can make them qualified to be mentors themselves. If you approach mentorship with a mindset that is focus on creating a lasting impact, you will end your mentorship with the confidence that you did a great job.

Think out of the box.

Mentors may guide someone by presenting tried and tested paths to success. This does not mean you are not willing to try new routes. On the contrary, you are constantly eager to listen to innovative ideas and solutions. You encourage creativity and collaboration because you know it is a way to expand knowledge and stay ahead of competitors.

Mentorship is becoming more necessary as the world gets more and more competitive each day. Being a mentor is not a duty to be take lightly. Take this huge responsibility to heart by making sure that you have the qualities needed to do it exceptionally well.