As a leader in your community, you may find yourself in the position of mentoring others. Leaders serve as mentors in many ways--as parents, teachers, friends, neighbors, co-workers or supervisors.

How did the person who served as a mentor to you help you develop as a leader? This was a question posed at a recent meeting for mentors in the East Kentucky Leadership Network's Youth Leadership Program. Their responses provide some pointers on mentoring with grace.

GUIDANCE

Taught me creativity. . . . Instilled morals . . . . Promoted education . . . . He let me see his other side, outside work . . . . Emotional support and guidance . . . . Positive criticism . . . . Taught me by example . . . . Earned my respect

RESPONSIBILITY

Gave me responsibility . . . . Put me in leadership roles . . . . Appointed me to a position . . . . Had high expectations of me . . . . Tough love--made me toe the line

ASSISTANCE

Gave time generously . . . . Helped me gain confidence through experience . . . . Did things with me . . . . Told me I could and showed me how

CONCRETE SKILLS

Got to practice . . . . Got me into public speaking . . . . Chores and skills . . . . Helped me learn to organize, understand a problem and see what's needed . . . . Gave the inside scoop, helped me learn the language

ENCOURAGEMENT

He believed I could do it . . . . Patted me on the back . . . . Said "You can do it!" . . . . Planted the seed of confidence . . . . Said "Don't give in; have courage and will power." . . . . Encouraged me to dream . . . . Said "You can do better."

HAPPY MENTORING!!

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