The Mentoring Manual



Chapter 2

What’s different about a mentoring relationship?

Jung viewed Freud as a mentor, but he never wanted to be anybody’s disciple.

Viggo Mortensen, actor

In this chapter:

• Look at the distinct nature of the relationship a mentor has with the individual they are working with.
• Examine three typical themes that underpin all mentor relationships:
  • the ‘quest’ involving challenges which must be overcome
  • that the mentor has something the mentee needs
  • a harmony of benevolence and respect.
• Reflect on your existing knowledge and experience of these themes.

What’s distinct about a mentor relationship?

To help us explore this idea further, let’s remind ourselves of some classic mentor relationships – see Table 2.1 overleaf. ...