My current working philosophy about mentoring. #Thread Disclaimer: I may or may not enact this philosophy well. It is a work in progress and I am growing as a mentor. Please add your own ideas!

1) Think about the power structure in your group: I may be the most experienced person but I don’t hold all the knowledge, ability, or worldview that is needed for the best research outcomes or to be the best support for everyone.

A group member's knowledge should not be bounded by my knowledge. Try not to be prescriptive. Help them process their own thinking rather than always projecting your thinking. Recognize and acknowledge their contributions.

Give them access to you in as many ways as possible (email, slack, knock on your door, appoints, while you walk into the office, during structured meetings) make it known that are all acceptable, invite them repeatedly.

2) Distribute power across the group: Give them a mechanism for providing you as the advisor feedback on your advising and on the group structure and empower them to use it.