The Challenging Supporter
Sometimes the kindest conversation is the one everyone else is avoiding.
The Challenging Supporter is one of our eight Mentoring Hats. It combines genuine support with the confidence to challenge someone’s thinking, offer difficult feedback and help them recognise their blind spots.
Watch the video to explore why challenge works best when it’s built on trust – and why great mentors know when this hat is the right one to wear.
The 8 Hats of Great Mentors: The Firm Foundation Builder
The third of the 8 Hats of Great Mentoring explores the Firm Foundation Builder. Learn why effective mentoring sometimes means providing practical guidance rather than asking coaching questions, and how sharing knowledge at the right time helps mentees develop skills, confidence and independence.
The 8 Hats of Great Mentors: The Reassuring Strong Presence
The second of the 8 Hats of Great Mentoring explores the Reassuring Strong Presence. Learn how recognising vulnerability, listening without judgement and offering reassurance can help mentoring partners feel supported, regain confidence and think more clearly.
The Well-Connected Sponsor
Some of the most powerful mentoring happens outside the room. Meet the Well-Connected Sponsor, one of the eight hats great mentors wear.
