Mentoring has been described in many different ways. But most agree that mentoring is a collaborative relationship between a more experienced individual (the mentor) and a less experienced individual (the mentee) that is focused on the mentee’s personal and professional development. The mentor guides, supports, and imparts knowledge to the mentee. Mentors share their expertise, experiences, and insights to help the mentees grow, learn, and achieve goals. A mentor-mentee relationship goes beyond teaching or coaching. It should help the mentee develop. There’s often a personal bond. Psychosocial support may include counseling the mentee about anxieties and uncertainties, providing friendship and acceptance, and role modeling. Career support includes career guidance, skill development, and publicly acknowledging the mentee’s achievements.
In recent years, mentorship has evolved from being a one-way relationship where the mentor directs the nature of the relationship to a more reciprocal and collaborative relationship in which both parties benefit. Mentoring...
