Praise for Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring
“While our similarities give us comfort, it is our differences that give us growth. In many ways, embracing differences is the very essence of learning. Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring provides solid guidance through profound wisdom, practical tools, and case examples on how to leverage differences for rich, mutual growth. Mentors and mentees alike will find this book a potent and enjoyable gift.”
—Chip R. Bell, coauthor of Managers as Mentors
“There are rare times when a book is written that expands your mind, opens your heart, and touches your soul. This is one of those books. Fain and Zachary, who have a deep knowledge and understanding of the context and processes of mentoring, confront us with our need to view the world and those within it with a broader focus on the breadth and beauty of varied perspectives, which in turn will bring richness to our own perceptions and abilities. If we are to mentor and be mentored in ways that can foster growth and understanding in all involved and in our world, we will take their knowledge and make it our own.”
—Frances Kochan, Wayne T. Smith Distinguished Professor Emerita, Auburn University
“Alas, all too often mentoring relationships occur through happenstance, and sometimes they work and sometimes they don’t. This excellent book cuts through the ‘luck’ part and guides mentor and mentee into excellent conversations that build their connection and their impact. Yes, there are many mentoring books available, and if you think you’ve seen it all, give this one a try. Lois and Lisa meld their experiences, know-how, and backgrounds to provide a vast amount of ideas and concepts that are research based and practice tested.”
—Beverly Kaye, bestselling coauthor of Love ‘Em or Lose ‘Em
“Research has shown that mentoring is a wonderful tool, especially for groups that have historically been underrepresented in the workplace. Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring is a much-needed resource to build career-enhancing strategies.”
—Mary-Frances Winters, President and CEO, The Winters Group, Inc.
“Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring is a highly accessible and well-written guide for all those interested in upping their mentoring game across cultures and differences. I was particularly impressed by how practical the book is and how carefully the authors ground their insights in social science research. Very useful book!”
—Andy Molinsky, PhD, Professor of International Management and Organizational Behavior, Brandeis University, and author of Global Dexterity and Reach
“Building on years of working with individuals and organizations to improve their experiences with mentoring, Lois Zachary and Lisa Fain have created an invaluable resource for those who want to enhance their experiences of mentoring in an increasingly diverse workforce. They have provided a compelling and simple structure for building self-awareness, becoming an outstanding mentoring partner through demonstrating genuine curiosity, asking good questions, and establishing routines in a mentoring partnership that lead to deep trust, growth-enhancing conversations, and transformational outcomes. At the core, the structure and methods presented in this book enable the reader to become culturally competent and to lean in to differences and leverage them, rather than deny or minimize their potential value.”
—Kathy E. Kram, PhD, Shipley Professor in Management Emerita, Questrom School of Business, Boston University
“Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring is a nuanced and instructive reflection of the modern workplace and a necessary resource for today’s leaders. Equipped with invaluable experience and universal strategies, Fain and Zachary offer insight into connecting across differences and leveraging everyone’s unique strengths—a critical skill set that every inclusive leader should develop. Complete with real stories and actionable steps, this book will resonate with both mentors and mentees alike.”
—Jennifer Brown, founder, CEO, and President, Jennifer Brown Consulting
“Bridging Differences for Better Mentoring is a road map for building successful mentoring relationships. Every chapter illustrates examples of how key concepts play out in real life and introduces the reader to reflective exercises to assist in integrating the wisdom into practice. This insightful book also adeptly addresses issues of bias and power positions to help establish inclusive and more comfortable relationships. Combining experiences and generational perspectives, Lisa and Lois have written the ultimate go-to guide on how to bridge differences in a mentoring relationship.”
—Marcia Reynolds, PsyD, global expert in executive coaching and author of The Discomfort Zone
“A rare and much-needed contribution, this timely book brings leaders and educators down-to-earth advice on a pressing and little-understood aspect of mentorship. Using fresh and accessible language and blending practical ideas with current research, the authors demonstrate their deep experience on every page. Essential reading for mentors—aspiring and experienced alike.”
—Laurent A. Daloz, author of Mentor and coauthor of Common Fire
“Lisa Fain and Lois Zachary have used their world-class expertise to provide a road map for leaders to more effectively connect, learn, and grow through mentoring. Highly recommended!”
—Doug Bruhnke, founder and CEO, Global Chamber
“Regardless of where you are in your career’s trajectory, this unique guide offers the wisdom and real-life applications for the furtherance of empathic leadership skills of both mentors and mentees.”
—John Hensing, MD, FACP, retired Chief Clinical Officer, Banner Health
“Fain and Zachary’s book expands, integrates, and elevates their previous work in mentoring and cultural competence, using case studies and interactive exercises to engage and challenge readers to explore ways to create more inclusive mentoring relationships in their own contexts. I look forward to applying the valuable insights I have gained through this book to our Young Innovators Project, in which we are training K–12 educators nationwide to more effectively mentor the diverse and creative students in their schools.”
—Ruth V. Small, PhD, Laura J. and L. Douglas Meredith Professor Emerita, School of Information Studies, Syracuse University, and Director, The Young Innovators Project