There are four different
styles advisors may adopt in approaching the students they work with.
Directing - the level
of Student Development is low:
- Provide specific instructions
- Organizational activities are
closely supervised
- Advisor is looked to for help
in leading the organization
- Organizational tasks are told
directly to students
Coaching - the level of Student Development is low/medium - some leaders
exhibit a higher level of development:
- Advisor continues to direct
and closely supervise task accomplishments
- Explain reasoning behind
decisions and organizational procedures
- Active seeking of suggestions
from the organization
- Organization's progress is
supported and encouraged
Supporting - the level of Student Development is medium - students are
beginning to understand concepts leading to success:
- Movement towards facilitating
and supporting the organization's efforts
- Responsibility for decision
making moves towards the leaders of the organization
- Encourage and provide
information as seen fit
Delegating - the Level of Student Development is high:
- Empower student made
decisions
- Facilitate problem solving as
needed or asked
- Students control delegation
and task assignments
- Students have full ownership
over the organization, its accomplishments, failures, and successes
As an organization
develops, changes, and moves forward, the advisor will employ different skill
sets
Flexibility - Each student will
have a different set of needs, which will be influenced by a variety of
situations and circumstances. Effective advisors are able to adjust their style
of advising as their student interactions vary.
Diagnosis - Advisors should
think of themselves as a medical doctor. What the student or organization needs
must be determined; many times what is needed will not align with what the
student wants. Be prepared for negative responses with the understanding that learning
will take place. A lesson now will help the student and organization in the
future and as they move through life. Approach the new situation as a
supporter, help them through the problem.
Contracting - Organizations choose their
advisors for a reason and have a certain set of expectations. As the
organizational leadership changes, it may be helpful to discuss their preferred
advising style. Making this agreement in advance will help both the student and
advisor understand the expectations of the relationship for future
interactions.
