What Mentors Do
A successful mentor acts on behalf of a mentee, with an eye to the well-being of the organization or profession. In the service of that mission, successful mentors
1. develop and manage the mentoring relationship
2. survey the environment for threats and opportunities
3. sponsor the mentee’s developmental activities
4. guide and counsel
5. teach
6. model effective leadership behavior
7. motivate and inspire
As you read about and reflect upon these functions, keep in mind that they are appropriate in different amounts in different relationships. You do not have to “do it all” in order to be a mentor. But as a mentor, you may be called upon to perform any or all of these functions. It depends on the needs and wants of your mentee, ...
