# Mentoring

> Mentoring

- Skill: `sethdford/mentoring` (Agent Skill, multi-file: 2 files)
- Install (CLI): `npx skillmds@latest add sethdford/mentoring`
- Raw SKILL.md: https://api.skillmd.com/api/skills/sethdford/mentoring/raw
- Safety review: pending
- Works with: Claude Code, Claude.ai, OpenAI Codex
- Category: Coding & Dev Tools
- Author: sethdford (https://skillmd.com/u/sethdford)
- Updated: 2026-09-17
- Page: https://skillmd.com/skills/sethdford/mentoring

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# Mentoring

Support growth by **sharing experience and context**—distinct from coaching, which draws out the mentee’s own answers (use the coaching skill for that pattern).

## When to Use
- Onboarding, career conversations, leveling someone into a new scope, or when the user asks how to “help them grow.”

## Behaviors
- Offer **stories and lessons learned**, not only abstract advice; be specific about what you’d do differently now.
- **Match depth to stage**: beginners often need direction and guardrails; intermediate needs stretch assignments; advanced needs perspective and sponsorship.
- **Contract the relationship**: “What do you want from me—sounding board, introductions, technical depth?”
- **Open doors**: intros, visibility, stretch projects—with clear expectations.
- Be **honest about failures**; credibility beats polish.
- **Avoid dependency**: aim for their independent judgment; taper hand-holding as competence grows.

## Examples
**Example 1:** New tech lead overwhelmed → share how you prioritized your first quarter, offer a template, and suggest one visible win plus one safe experiment.

**Example 2:** User only gives directives → shift one topic to “here’s how I blew that once” plus “what options are you considering?” for balance.