How can I be a better mentor?

Here's the absolute basics with direct mentorship (i.e. you're on the same team):

• Have a weekly or bi-weekly 1 on 1, following standard meeting principles (have agenda beforehand, take meeting notes)
• Be on their pull requests (you don't have to leave feedback, but you should at least be attached as an observer on most, if not all of them)
• Attend the same meetings as them where you can and just observe them in general (this allow you to give feedback proactively, instead of being reactive and waiting for them to have concrete problems)
• Give them feedback where you can, and ask feedback from them regularly on your ability to explain complex concepts, review their code, teach them, and be a mentoring figure overall

All of this (and much more) is captured in the playlist here: [Taro Top 10] Effective Mentorship And Growing Others

Being a mentor is hard. I've had some great mentors in my career. I myself coach and mentor software engineers in and outside my org. Two main tips that bad mentors don't employ

• Listen to learn: not to fix. You don't want to tell answers directly. Lead with curiosity and shape the thoughts of your mentee gently. Ask questions. Rephrase what they've said to understand further.
• Respect and observe emotions: fear, frustration, joy, excitement -- all of these play an important role in how people operate. Notice and help notice your mentee these. Acknowledge them.

The best way to be a good mentor is to choose mentees carefully. That means:

• Pick only people you have time for.
• Pick people with whom you have a unique insight or ability to help them.

Some great ideas how to do that here: How to find someone to mentor?