The Old Diocesan Issue 12 - Magazine - Page 92
BOOKS
THE MENTOR MASTER
One of several prolific OD authors with new books,
Robin Cox focuses predominantly on mentorship
Describe your new book.
This is the fourth and
possibly final book in a
series I wrote to promote
the spirit of mentoring
young people, especially.
From my teaching,
coaching, mentoring and
even parenting experiences,
I know how important it is
to encourage young people
to achieve their potential.
This book offers short,
user-friendly weekly
messages (musings) of
encouragement for those
wanting proven tips and
ideas to motivate young
people. I weave true stories
into the pages to give
credibility to the mentoring
principles I share.
What’s unique about it?
It’s user-friendly and easy
to read, and will become
a useful reference book
for anyone guiding youth.
I cover important topics
like self-image, the impact
of technology and social
media, resilience, goalsetting, effective
communication, values,
how to resolve conflicts
using a positive mindset,
and the role of family
and other networks.
How do you know there
is a need for this book?
There are indications from
post-pandemic research
that the level of anxiety
among young people is
increasing at an alarming
rate. In New Zealand, where
88 | THE OLD DIOCESAN
I live, the youth suicide
numbers are concerning.
I believe there is, and will
continue to be, a global
need for volunteer mentors
for our teenagers. Most
people are busy. Many have
poor time-management
skills. I haven’t come across
a user-friendly book such
as this one in the global
community.
Your intended audience?
As the subtitle suggests,
it’s for anyone wanting to
motivate young people
to reach their potential:
mentors, educators,
coaches, youth workers,
parents, grandparents,
other family members –
even employers of young
adults and adolescents.
Highlight three key
points from the book.
1. Every life matters. It’s
a major theme in this book.
Every young person has a
story. We need to do our
Robin Cox with his
books in Ruakaka,
New Zealand. He
also has a new
mentoring channel:
youtube.com/@
MentoringMinutes
best to empathise, to try
to understand their story,
and to share messages
of hope with them as
we connect and build
a meaningful relationship.
2. Guide young people
on how to find meaning
and purpose in their lives.
Once they attain this,
you can watch their
transformation, significantly
impacted by at least one
trusted adult role model.
Preferably at least three.
3. Two points I share again
and again: Be an authentic,
non-judgmental cheerleader.
And never quit on a young
person.
Final thoughts?
Don’t be hard on yourself
or take life too seriously,
or have unreal expectations
when you move alongside
a young person. Never lose
your sense of humour –
and do all you can to make
this a fun experience for
everyone involved.
52 Mentor Musings
to Encourage Anyone
Mentoring Youth
by Robin Cox (1971G)
Wipf and Stock
Publishers
52 Mentor Musings
offers short, userfriendly weekly
messages of
encouragement for
anyone helping a young
person reach their
potential. Robin Cox,
a past head boy now
living in New Zealand,
has a long history in
education and youth
mentorship. This book
is the culmination
of a lifetime’s work,
equipping readers
with knowledge, skills
and strategies for the
mentoring journey.
“Cox’s approach is both
inclusive and universal,
grounded in the belief
that every life matters.”
–The Chronicle of
Evidence-Based
Mentoring
