Write down the distinct characteristics and behaviours of your chosen mentor. What earns them the description of a good mentor? What do they actually do? What do you notice? Be as specific as you can.

Aim for a written list of up to 5 entries, with space to write alongside each, in the next step.

Consider each of the attributes you've written down, and give some thought to how much you express it within a current mentoring relationship, or any kind of relationship where you're managing or guiding someone else. How much are these characteristics and behaviours 'showing up'? How intentional are you, currently, in displaying them?

On a scale of 1—10, score yourself against each attribute and write that score down. Think of 1 as 'I hardly ever express this attribute', and 10 as 'I strongly express this attribute'.

Next, review your scores to decide where you feel you express the attributes clearly already. Bring to mind some specific examples if you can. And, importantly, identify one or two of the attributes that you feel you could improve on.

Finally, use the following reflection questions to focus in on an attribute you'd like to improve on, and to get clear on some simple next steps towards that.

• To express the attribute more clearly, what would you have to do more or less of?
• What's blocking you from doing this currently?
• If you did express this attribute more clearly, what would it mean for your relationships?
• And what else might improve or be different outside of the relationship?
• What are you going to do as a result of this exercise?