Mentoring FAQs

Mentoring Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the definition of  mentoring?

Mentoring is a professional activity, a trusted relationship and a meaningful commitment. Traditional mentoring is a professional relationship where a more senior level person (the mentor) guides and advises a more junior one (the mentee). Often, mentors assist the mentees in developing specific knowledge, skills and abilities to enhance personal and professional growth. The modern usage of mentor – trusted friend, counsellor or teacher – first appeared in François Fénelon’s Les Aventures de Telemaque in 1699, Wikipedia (2009).

Also read the blog post, What is e-Mentoring? and Seven Characteristics of a Successful Mentoring Relationship.

Is mentoring the same as coaching?

Though mentoring and coaching are often used synonymously these days, they are two very different things. Refer to the short blog post, Mentors and Coaches, They’re Not the Same.

Why is mentoring important?

A study conducted for Sun Microsystems, which explored the value of mentoring relationships, revealed that mentoring had a positive impact on both mentors and mentees.

• Mentors were promoted six times more often than those not in the program.
• Mentees were promoted five times more often than those not in the program.
• Retention rates were much higher for mentees (72%) and mentors (69%) than for employees who did not participate in the mentoring program (49%).

Source: http://knowledge.wharton.upenn.edu/article.cfm?articleid=1736

What is a mentoring program?

It is a formal or structured program that aims to match more seasoned professionals with more junior ones. A mentoring program helps to build relationships based on respect and trust. In a mentoring program, the mentor advises the mentee on a variety of other personal and professional activities. Mentor and mentee meet regularly and are committed to the relationship. The best mentoring programs dedicate the time necessary to match mentor and mentee to ensure a better fit and chemistry between them.

What does it mean to have a traditional mentor?

 The traditional mentoring model focuses on a “one-to-one relationship between an experienced person (a mentor) and a less experienced person (a mentee) that provides a variety of developmental functions” Mullen (1998).

What are the key types of mentoring programs?

•  Traditional Mentoring:  The traditional mentoring model focuses on a “one-to-one relationship between an experienced person (a mentor) and a less experienced person (a mentee) that provides a variety of developmental functions” Mullen (1998).
• Mentoring Circles: In 1993, The Mentoring Company™ developed Mentoring Circles, a group learning model in response to what they believed was the limited success of one-to-one traditional mentoring. There are two types of mentoring circles: There is a single leader and many mentees and it is a one-to-many mentoring relationship. The second type consists of a mixed group of mentors and mentees who take turn leading the group.
•  Peer-Mentoring: Members of the group provide knowledge, guidance, support and mentoring to each other. The members of the peer-mentoring group are often equals and the relationship is reciprocal in nature.
• Speed Mentoring: Speed mentoring is a very new concept which evolved from speed dating. Mentors and mentees are at one venue, and it is a structured way for mentees (participants) to get specific mentoring in a short time.

I have never had a mentor because I have never been asked, what should I do?

Mentees are responsible for finding mentors. Spend some time thinking about people who have achieved what you are trying to accomplish, and ask them if they would be willing to mentor you. Before you approach any potential mentor, take the time to first get to know them. The business social network LinkedIn is a good source to find potential mentors. Read A Novel Way to Find Mentors.