Understanding effective pillars of mentorship for student leader protégés

Authors

  • Jarred A. Shellhouse
  • Cecelia E. Suarez
  • Matt Benge University of Florida
  • J. C. Bunch

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v65i1.39

Keywords:

mentoring, mentorship, student leaders, leader member exchange

Abstract

We examined the mentor-protégé relationship and the foundational pillars that make the relationship effective. Through a phenomenological design, we conducted interviews with student leaders to discuss their relationship with their self-identified most significant mentor. Using leader-member exchange and mentor relationship theory as a lens, we used the protégé’s perspective to find what was important for them as they were developed by a mentor. We found respect, trust, direct engagement and feedback, relationship maintenance, and shared values to be important components of effective mentoring. We used inductive analysis to develop a model that illustrates the qualities and phases that mentoring relationships go through, indicating which pillars should be present at each stage. We discuss implications of this for leader-member exchange theory and mentor relationship theory, as well as implications for practice in leadership education. 

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Published

2024-03-31

How to Cite

Jarred A. Shellhouse, Cecelia E. Suarez, Benge, M., & J. C. Bunch. (2024). Understanding effective pillars of mentorship for student leader protégés. Journal of Agricultural Education, 65(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.5032/jae.v65i1.39

Issue

Section

Journal of Agricultural Education