What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a mutually beneficial relationship in which a mentor provides guidance to a mentee (also sometimes referred to as a protégé) to help the mentee reach their goals. Mentoring is often confused with coaching since they both heavily rely on developmental conversations, active listening and asking thought-provoking questions. However, unlike coaches, mentors actively share their experience, advice and opinions, often acting as a role model and advocate for their mentee.

Your organization may have a formal mentorship program set up by the company to help newer or less experienced staff members. Companies often sponsor these programs in order to help fulfill business goals such as increased employee retention, diversity enhancement, skills and career development, or new-hire onboarding. 

Often, no such program exists and it’s up to individuals to either become a mentor or seek out a mentor. These pages are designed to help you determine if mentorship is something you feel is worth pursuing.