What is mentoring?
There are many definitions of mentoring, from 'a learning relationship', to 'helping someone become better at helping themselves'.
In truth mentors have several roles, including sounding board, critical friend, facilitator, networker, coach, and even role model. Each mentoring relationship is different. Some are intense and last over time; others are brief and related to a specific situation.
Mentoring is not about offering advice and sharing experiences. It's about helping someone else become effective at developing their opportunities and resources, and managing their problems, helping them to become better at helping themselves.