What makes a good mentor?

[Laerune]

With this game, I have noticed that alot of mentors who try to help often word their advice in a condescending manner which makes the newcomer ask themselves if this person is making fun of them or not. In general I agree with what most have said in this thread, but for me the most important parts of being an mentor is:

1. Willingness to share skills, knowledge, and expertise.
2. Demonstrates a positive attitude and acts as a positive role model.
3. Provides guidance and constructive feedback.
4. Motivates others by setting a good example.

[Lyrai_Celestine]

Snip snip~

I will take this into note. Patience, keep trying until the time runs out, and the echo buff being taken as player support for lag problems in Titan EX are good examples. I will make sure it's not a form of insult, but rather the game's way of helping the less fortunate players. Thank you for your feedback! ^_^

With this game, I have noticed that alot of mentors who try to help often word their advice in a condescending manner which makes the newcomer ask themselves if this person is making fun of them or not.

I agree. This is partially the reason why I'm opening this thread; to find a perfect balance. I want to find a way to become a mentor, yet not be a superior who judge on newbies and in turn, making them feel uncomfortable.

In general I agree with what most have said in this thread, but for me the most important parts of being an mentor is:

1. Willingness to share skills, knowledge, and expertise.
2. Demonstrates a positive attitude and acts as a positive role model.
3. Provides guidance and constructive feedback.
4. Motivates others by setting a good example.

I would definitely call this my code of conduct. Truly, all I ever wanted is to set a good example as a mentor and be a positive person in any situation; the moment I wear this mentor cape on my name, I feel like I bear a big responsibility to every other mentors out there.

If I am worn out, tired, or getting mentally unstable, I can always take off the mantle anyway. That way I am never forced to be a full-time Mentor. Only when I want to. Thank you for your feedback! ^_^

[Mavrias]

This is an honest question from someone who got their status recently. What'm I suppose to do when the people I offer tips to don't respond or listen, and it's enough of an issue that it's causing the run to go realllly poorly. I'm sure nobody wants to be in a SB dungeon with only 1 dps, if at all, while the other presses their least damaging button repeatedly. I made attempts to communicate and help, but only met with silence, or just harsh reaction.

This may sound harsh, but, if they both refuse to listen and get mouthy with you, either vote to kick them or leave. Obviously if they don't say anything to you at all in response then there could be a myriad of reasons. But if you were polite there's no reason for you to accept rudeness in return for your advice. Your time is just as valuable as theirs so no need to spend it with someone who isn't trying.

[LineageRazor]

I'd like to emphasize, too, that attitude is FAR more important a trait in a mentor than aptitude. Even if you're TERRIBLE at the game, can't tank or heal, your DPS is in the gutter, break every craft, and haven't even managed to harvest an onion without being savaged by wild beasts - you can STILL be a positive force that helps new players to feel welcome to the game.

Keep an upbeat attitude and endless patience, and you'd be surprised at what folks can accomplish.

[Jybril]

1) Don't antagonize other players, especially sprouts. If they aren't performing well offer tips but don't insult them.
2) You're going to get asked a lot of "stupid" questions like "What's PotD", "What's LB mean", and "How do I unlock [job]"- while it's tempting to tell people to look it up and stop being lazy, it costs you nothing to answer the questions if you're just idling around anyway. If you can answer them, do it- and don't be a jerk about it.
3) Mentors should be held to a higher standard. Don't stoop to the level of trolls, flamers, and asshats. (i.e. Don't be a little b*** if things don't go your way, be the bigger person.)
4) Don't do Mentor Roulette unless you're prepared to get a synced EX primal and teach a lot of newbies how to do it via trial and error. And if you do get one don't leave right away- you're there to help after all.

Well you sound pretty pompous and condescending to me.

Well with this attitude...I don't believe when people asks those questions they are not "stupid"
and even if it's like "CAN'T YOU LOOK IT UP!?" Kinda the reason they have us Mentors.
People wanna socialize instead of reading it off the internet. A lot of people make friends of Novice Chat.
Shows that us mentors care about our newbies and want to help them personally.
That's the whole point of Mentoring.

You also seem defensive towards Lyrai's response and it no way did I see her being condescending or pompous.

[Cerbolt]

As a newbie sprout I really wish the mentors I met in game were more like you guys. I've only had two people bother to explain anything to me when I asked and one wasn't even a mentor.

[Mavrias]

I'd like to emphasize, too, that attitude is FAR more important a trait in a mentor than aptitude. Even if you're TERRIBLE at the game, can't tank or heal, your DPS is in the gutter, break every craft, and haven't even managed to harvest an onion without being savaged by wild beasts - you can STILL be a positive force that helps new players to feel welcome to the game.

Keep an upbeat attitude and endless patience, and you'd be surprised at what folks can accomplish.

Gonna have to disagree. You have no business teaching about something if you don't know what you're doing, good attitude or no. Obviously good attitude and good aptitude are ideal but I'd rather take the stoic, frigid teacher that is giving me accurate information over the smily cheerleader one that's hit or miss with their advice.

[Kuzonoha]

As a mentor I'd like to stress patience and attitude. How you come across will in turn affect the kind of response you get. You really have to want to be a mentor and have a want for people to become better players/more informed.

Another thing I'd like to stress is the fact that while mentors should be held to a higher standard, we're not perfect. There's times where I could not recall mechanics or exact name of skills to a fight because of not having done a fight in six months and I would say as much and be honest about it. Usually other players try to help explain or we all wing it and learn/remember on the fly. I think it's important to be humble in a place of leadership.

Third, not everyone is going to listen to your advice. If they have words, like someone else said, chalk up your losses and move on.

[Nhisso]

Dont be a dick.
Help those with questions if you can.
Boot drama starters from novice network.
Dont be a drama queen yourself either.
Give me 1 mill gil. Er wait. Uh nevermind.

[Mycow8me]

Someone who doesn't mentor for the sake of being a mentor.