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by Connie Warren, M.Ed. on Oct 28, 2026, 10:10:16 AM
Six Practices for Building Relationships That Help Others Grow
A Leadership Reflection Guide
Inspired by the edWeb webinar, Mentorship, Leadership, and Growth: The Relationships That Help Us Become, featuring Dr. BethAnne Hines, author of Becoming Through Mentorship.
Think about the people who helped shape your journey as an educator or leader. Chances are, someone believed in you, recognized a strength you hadn't yet discovered, challenged you to grow, or opened a door to an opportunity.
Now think about the people around you today.
Who are you helping become?
Meaningful mentorship doesn't always require a formal program. It happens in everyday conversations, decisions, and opportunities. These six practices can help you become more intentional about developing the people around you.
01 | OPEN
Open the Door to Relationship
Growth begins with trust. When leaders are accessible, consistent, and genuinely interested in others, they create the conditions for meaningful relationships.
Reflect: Who on your team might benefit from greater access, connection, or trust?
Put it into practice: Make time for a conversation that focuses on the person, not just their responsibilities. Ask about their goals, interests, and aspirations.
02 | NOTICE
Notice What Others May Not See Yet
Sometimes the most powerful thing a leader can do is recognize potential before someone sees it in themselves.
Observe → Name → Affirm
Reflect: Whose strengths or leadership potential have you noticed but haven't yet acknowledged?
Put it into practice: Tell someone specifically what you see in them. Go beyond “great job” and explain why their strengths matter and what they could lead to.
03 | CHALLENGE
Challenge People Toward What's Next
Growth often requires stepping beyond what's comfortable. When challenge comes from someone who has already established trust and belief, it can become an opportunity for meaningful development.
Recognize → Stretch → Support
Reflect: Who might be ready for a new challenge but needs encouragement to take that next step?
Put it into practice: Offer a meaningful stretch opportunity. Explain why you believe the person is ready, and make sure they know you'll support them along the way.
04 | INVEST
Turn Belief Into Opportunity
Recognizing potential is important. Acting on that belief creates opportunities for growth.
Name → Entrust → Develop
Reflect: Are you creating meaningful opportunities for others to lead, contribute, and develop their strengths?
Put it into practice: Invite someone into a conversation, project, or leadership opportunity they might not otherwise have access to. Give them meaningful responsibility and feedback.
05 | EXTEND
Extend Those Relationships to Students
The conditions that help adults grow are often the same conditions students need: to feel known, challenged, encouraged, supported, and believed in.
Reflect: How are the relationships in your school or program helping students develop confidence, perseverance, and a sense of belonging?
Put it into practice: Look for opportunities to recognize student strengths, celebrate progress, maintain high expectations, and provide consistent encouragement.
06 | MULTIPLY
Build a Culture Where People Develop People
Leaders can't personally mentor everyone. But they can create environments where mentorship, encouragement, and opportunity become part of the culture.
Model → Create Conditions → Multiply
Reflect: How can you help others become mentors and advocates for the people around them?
Put it into practice: Connect colleagues who can learn from one another. Recognize educators who develop others, and create opportunities for mentorship across roles and teams.
A Final Thought
Think about the people who invested in you. The encouragement they offered, the opportunities they created, and the belief they showed helped shape the person you've become.
One of the most meaningful ways to honor that investment is to extend it to someone else.
Someone's future may be shaped by the way you show up for them today.
Continue the Conversation
Explore Becoming Through Mentorship: A View Into the Leaders Who Shaped Us by Dr. BethAnne Hines for more personal stories, reflections, and practical insights on leadership and mentorship.
About BookNook
At BookNook, we believe meaningful relationships and consistent academic support can help students grow. Through live, high-impact tutoring in reading and math, we connect students with dedicated tutors who provide targeted instruction, encouragement, and opportunities to build confidence.
Learn more: www.booknook.com
grow together.