Active listening

Providing you constructive feedback

Establishing a healthy mentoring relationship

Employing strategies to improve communication with you

Coordinating effectively with other mentors with whom you work (if you have other mentors)

Working with you to set clear expectations of the mentoring relationship

Aligning his/her expectations with your own

Considering how personal and professional differences may impact expectations

Working with you to set research goals

Helping you develop strategies to meet research goals

Accurately estimating your level of scientific knowledge

Accurately estimating your ability to conduct research

Employing strategies to enhance your research capabilities

Motivating you

Building your confidence

Stimulating your creativity

Sensitive about my personal background (age, ethnicity, gender, religion, culture, family composition etc.)

Helping you network effectively

Helping you to set career goals

Helping you balance work with your personal life

Understanding his/her impact as a role model for you

Helping you acquire resources (e.g. grants, etc.)