What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is a partnership between a more experienced person and someone new to a role, career or organization. The person is called a mentee. The mentor teaches, counsels and provides support and motivation for her mentee. The mentor is usually outside the mentee’s chain of command.

Many mentoring relationships are informal arrangements between two people with no support from or responsibility to anyone else. Structured or formal mentoring occurs when organizations initiate and support the mentoring processes.

The traditional mentoring model has been hierarchical and one-to-one, but new models are emerging such as peer mentoring and mentor hubs.

Is Mentoring Something New?

The concept of mentoring is nearly timeless. The label ‘mentor’ came from The Odyssey, written by the Greek poet Homer. Odysseus entrusted Mentor with the instruction and guidance of his son, Telemachus, while Odysseus was away during the Trojan War. Mentoring is just as relevant now as in Homer’s time. As a personal and professional development strategy it is again being recognized.

What Makes an Effective Mentor or Mentee?

Effective mentors are those who are considered by the mentee to have specific job-related skills and expertise, highly developed interpersonal skills, and a willingness to spend the time necessary to teach, counsel and provide support to someone else.

Effective mentees have a commitment to their own professional development. They will be prepared to take risks in their learning and try new approaches to solving problems.

What Benefits Does the Mentee Receive?

Mentees increase the likelihood of success and promotion within their careers as a result of the targeted support they receive in their developmental activities. They improve their skills and knowledge; increase their understanding of business organizations; develop a sense of perspective; and gain access tot he mentor’s professional network to some degree.

What Benefits Does the Mentor Receive?

Mentors experience an increase in job satisfaction and renewed motivation. They frequently develop a close relationship with their mentee who in some cases facilitates projects on their behalf. Mentors receive public recognition for their work, a sense of being needed and the opportunity to influence the career development of a talented young woman.

What Benefits Does DigitalEve Receive?

DigitalEve Japan can expect increased volunteer activity from all the participants in the mentoring program. Sponsoring the mentoring program fulfills one of DigitalEve Japan’s aims—to help women advance their IT careers.

What Are Some of the Things Mentors Do?

Mentors perform a range of roles and take on many varied tasks. In the early stages of the relationship, a mentor might motivate, teach and support her partner. As the relationship develops the mentor might also provide advice and counsel. Once confidence in the mentee’s abilities has been gained, the mentor will also promote her mentee’s skills and expertise in appropriate forums.

In order to do this mentors spend time with their partners. They might help the mentee in the development of her professional learning plans, conduct a performance appraisal, model specific leadership competencies, challenge and extend their mentee.

Where Does Mentoring Take Place?

There is no fixed place for the mentoring function to occur. Each pair arranges a mutually convenient place to meet and plan. Meeting might take place face-to-face or via telephone, e-mail or online messaging. We encourage face-to-face meetings and, when possible, and visiting the mentor’s workplace.

What Does the Program Facilitator Do?

The program facilitator ensures that each person is gaining the most from her mentoring experiences. She will be in regular contact with each participant to hear how things are progressing. The facilitator might help pairs locate specific resources or contacts. The facilitator will ensure that each pair has established specific expectations and protocols.

What Happens if Problems Arise with my Partner?

Your program facilitator will be in regular contact with each pair. In the unlikely event of problems arising between you and your partner you can contact the facilitator and discuss these concerns confidentially. If the facilitator is unable to resolve your concerns your mentoring relationship with your partner will be discontinued. We call this a “no fault divorce.” There is no repercussion for either party.