Mentoring New Stewards

Mentoring is how the labor movement grows. Your experience is invaluable to new stewards.

The Mentor's Role:

• Guide, don't dictate — let them learn from experience

• Share your mistakes as well as your successes

• Be available for questions and support

• Gradually increase their responsibilities

• Provide honest, constructive feedback

Mentoring Framework:

1. Shadow: New steward watches you handle cases

2. Assist: New steward helps you with cases

3. Lead: New steward handles cases with your guidance

4. Independent: New steward handles cases on their own

5. Mentor: They begin mentoring others

What to Teach First:

• How to listen to a member's complaint

• How to read and reference the contract

• How to take notes during a meeting

• How to file a basic grievance

• When to ask for help

The best thing you can do for the labor movement is create more leaders, not more followers.