Mentors’ efforts have lasting effects on their mentees. Listening skills are a crucial part of mentors helping others grow. At Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah, our mentors put forth effort toward helping Utah’s youth reach their full potential through personal growth. Volunteer opportunities in Utah with Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah allow adults to become a mentor to a child who may be dealing with personal struggles in their youth.
Through volunteer opportunities, mentors can learn to become active listeners in order to become the best mentor possible. Here are 3 ways mentors can improve their listening skills.
Take Time To Listen
Take time out of your day to be with your mentee and allow them time to talk with you- either in person or over the phone. Make sure your mentee understands you are paying close attention. You can do this by speaking in brief affirmatives and posing questions about what they are discussing. Repeating the final few things they said and asking them follow-up questions will let your Little know that you are actively listening to them.
Be Empathetic
Volunteer opportunities in Utah, such as being a mentor, may mean that your Little occasionally asks you for advice and direction about their struggles. It’s crucial to understand when to provide it. Take note of the things they are expressing, and share your experiences or advice when appropriate. By listening closely to what your mentee is saying, you can better understand their experience and show them empathy.
Show Interest
Show that you are interested in what your Little is saying by using your body language. Nodding and facial expressions, such as a small smile, can convey that you are listening and accepting. Leaning slightly in the speaker’s direction is also a non-verbal cue that tells them you are fully immersed in the conversation. Lastly, you can motivate the speaker with a brief “I see” statement to show that you are following the conversation and are interested in what they have to say.
The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Utah mentoring program is a great place to participate in volunteer opportunities in Utah and develop essential life skills such as mentorship and active listening.
