Tao Virtue

In the book, The Tao of Giving and Receiving, it states, "The essence of Tao mentoring is in admitting that we need help on our path....If we fall down or make a mistake, it is fine simply to feel our insecurity and plunge back in, with the mentor's help. Now, go ahead and make a huge mistake, and trust that your mentor will help. Forge ahead, knowing that you are okay, able now to teach or mentor others who have fallen themselves. If we are afraid to admit that we "don't know," we may appear strong for a while, but the illusion will surface. And just think of all the energy it takes to uphold the illusion! Tao mentoring frees us to pursue life's wonderful lessons without fear of failing or being exposed." (page 12).

I love this part of the book, but this is also my mentee's weakness. She does not like to ask for help and she does not like to depend on anyone. This has proven to be the biggest challenge in our relationship because I have to be very subtle about my knowledge in technology. If I come on too strong and act like I know everything, then this pushes her away. I have found that it is best for me to be quiet and wait for her to discover her learning. Also, I wait for her questions before I give her any information. Learning the dance with my mentee has not been too difficult becuase I have worked with her for seven years. What is difficult is taking on the role of being her mentor and trying to gently guide her along the way.