NDIS mentoring can be one of the most fruitful activities for NDIS participants. However, there are some common myths surrounding the service, causing some participants to delay joining such a positive and beneficial programme.
We’ve debunked the following myths so you can get the right mentor and to help you become more independent and confident in life.
Myth #1: My Mentor Should Be Older Than I Am
TRUTH #1: It’s a common belief that mentors tend to be older than their mentees but that isn’t always the case. What is often confused with seniority is experience. Your mentor could be younger than you and yet have the experience of working with countless other NDIS participants with conditions or situations similar to yours.
Myth #2: Mentors Should Be Smarter Or More Experienced Than I Am
TRUTH #2: The mentor-mentee relationship is actually a two-way street. You, as a participant, have your own life experiences where you can draw insights from, while your mentor can help you make sense of things and provide a road map. On the other hand, your mentor can learn a thing or two from you and open up something about themselves.
Remember, successful NDIS mentoring involves cooperation between the mentor and mentee. This often means sharing about yourselves to figure things out together.
Myth #3: I Could Get Stuck with a Bad Mentor
TRUTH #3: Toxic mentors do exist and if that’s your current reality, you should consider switching to another NDIS mentoring service. Some of the signs to watch out for are:
- Connecting with them is really difficult
- Speaking negatively about a mentee’s friends and professional life
- Refusing to give constructive feedback
- Believing they don’t need to improve either their mentoring profession or personal life
Good news – all our mentors at OnTrack are amazing. With over 10 years in the community sector, OnTrack has mentors who will really “get” you and be able to support you every step of your journey.
Myth #4: A Mentor Always Has Their Life 100% Perfect
TRUTH #4: Just like the rest of us – mentors are human. They might not always have everything perfect and shining. But that doesn’t mean they’re any less worthy of offering NDIS mentoring or taking care of their mentees. Mentors are also constantly working on improving their own lives but will always be available to help their mentees out.
A good mentor needs to be good at taking care of you and your needs.
Myth #5: Mentors Dictate The Relationship
TRUTH #5: Connected to the previous point, any NDIS mentoring service involves trust between both mentor and mentee.
Both mentor and mentee should be open and respect has to be earned. The space between mentor and mentee should be supportive and accepting. For example, if a mentor believes they have all the answers and the mentee is expected to believe them, it might not be a healthy or fruitful relationship.
Our mentors have ample experience in listening to and supporting their mentees. They understand the nature of the relationship is a two-way street.
We’re confident we can find you the right ‘two peas in a pod’ mentor.
With OnTrack Tasmania’s NDIS Mentoring Service, we help you find the right mentor for your needs and help you gain the confidence you need to get you ready for more independent living. Goal Setting, Upskill Training, Confidence Building and Plan Reviewing are just some of the helpful aspects of Mentoring we provide.
Learn more about our Mentoring Program on our website today.