What is mentoring?

There are different types of mentoring but all have a few key ideas in common:

• Mentoring allows the sharing of knowledge, skills and experience.
• Mentoring is a relationship that develops over a period of time to the benefit of one or both parties.
• Mentoring is personal and should be formulated in a way to suit the parties involved.

Benefits of mentoring

For the mentor:

• A sense of value and satisfaction from passing on skills and knowledge.
• A new working relationship and rapport with a colleague.
• A chance to improve and practice communication and management skills.
• Insight into somebody else’s experience.

For the mentee:

• Support and guidance from somebody with personal insight.
• Safe learning environment (non-judgemental support tailored specifically to your wants and needs).
• Personal approach; advice is specifically targeted at areas important to you.
• Increase in confidence and self-esteem.
• Insight into potential future career-paths or modes of career development.