The overall impression is very much that the book does what it says in the title and in a guidance handbook this is an important attribute. I found the text easy to read for the most part and the tone friendly and engaging. When I say for the most part there are parts which are more detailed and technical, but this is inevitable if you are underpinning the guidance with the science behind it. [...] I found that the structure of the book was logical and flowed seamlessly [...]. [It] define[s] the role of a mentor, list[s] essential mentoring skills, discuss[es] the process and give[s] comprehensive examples of mentoring in practice. The case studies were enlightening and relevant, providing good illustrations of how mentoring worked in a range of professional settings. [...] The illustrations were relevant and helpful.
Paul Lyle, independent geologist. Paul Lyle has retired from his post as lecturer in geology at the Ulster University and now writes on geological issues.
The overall impression is very much that the book does what it says in the title and in a guidance handbook this is an important attribute. I found the text easy to read for the most part and the tone friendly and engaging. When I say for the most part there are parts which are more detailed and technical, but this is inevitable if you are underpinning the guidance with the science behind it. [...] I found that the structure of the book was logical and flowed seamlessly [...]. [It] define[s] the role of a mentor, list[s] essential mentoring skills, discuss[es] the process and give[s] comprehensive examples of mentoring in practice. The case studies were enlightening and relevant, providing good illustrations of how mentoring worked in a range of professional settings. [...] The illustrations were relevant and helpful.
Paul Lyle, independent geologist. Paul Lyle has retired from his post as lecturer in geology at the Ulster University and now writes on geological issues.
Reading the book will bolster the confidence of both the mentor and the mentee. It sets the framework and, by explaining the methodology, will help overcome the initial reluctance (even fear) that many highly qualified scientists might have. Mentoring is something that should probably not be imposed and psychologically might not be appropriate for everyone but undoubtedly many people will find it a significant long-term benefit in following their career pathway.
There are useful diagrams and exercises but particularly helpful are some of the observations made in the Case Histories recounted by Professors of Medicine & Chemistry and a Director of Research and Impact.
It is a book to remove the mystique about a process designed to improve management and encourage their protegees. Mentoring is a science in itself and must be fully understood by all involved before it is attempted; hence this explanation is timely and thoroughly recommended.
Dr Tony Bazley is a geologist with a distinguished career at a senior level in government scientific service, holds two Honorary Professorships and is currently a Director with an international energy company.
The overall impression is very much that the book does what it says in the title and in a guidance handbook this is an important attribute. I found the text easy to read for the most part and the tone friendly and engaging. When I say for the most part there are parts which are more detailed and technical, but this is inevitable if you are underpinning the guidance with the science behind it. [...] I found that the structure of the book was logical and flowed seamlessly [...]. [It] define[s] the role of a mentor, list[s] essential mentoring skills, discuss[es] the process and give[s] comprehensive examples of mentoring in practice. The case studies were enlightening and relevant, providing good illustrations of how mentoring worked in a range of professional settings. [...] The illustrations were relevant and helpful.
Paul Lyle, independent geologist. Paul Lyle has retired from his post as lecturer in geology at the Ulster University and now writes on geological issues.
Reading the book will bolster the confidence of both the mentor and the mentee. It sets the framework and, by explaining the methodology, will help overcome the initial reluctance (even fear) that many highly qualified scientists might have. Mentoring is something that should probably not be imposed and psychologically might not be appropriate for everyone but undoubtedly many people will find it a significant long-term benefit in following their career pathway.
There are useful diagrams and exercises but particularly helpful are some of the observations made in the Case Histories recounted by Professors of Medicine & Chemistry and a Director of Research and Impact.
It is a book to remove the mystique about a process designed to improve management and encourage their protegees. Mentoring is a science in itself and must be fully understood by all involved before it is attempted; hence this explanation is timely and thoroughly recommended.
Dr Tony Bazley is a geologist with a distinguished career at a senior level in government scientific service, holds two Honorary Professorships and is currently a Director with an international energy company.