What is Mentoring?

Definition: Mentoring is a learning partnership where mentor and mentee work together to achieve specific, mutually defined goals that focus on developing the mentee's skills, abilities, knowledge and thinking.

For some great resources on mentoring, including books written by a major contributor to this training, Dr. Lois Zachary, check out the books listed on The Innovation Destination website under "Librarian Resources."

Mentoring Is:

• Centered on learning.
  • Learning is the purpose, the process, and the product of mentoring. It is its raison d'etre. It is how you engage in mentoring. It is the outcome from the work you do together. It is the benchmark for success.

• Focused on growth and development.
  • Mentoring facilitates mentee growth and development of skills, abilities, knowledge and thinking. The mentor helps the mentee grow into the person who can accomplish new goals.

• A trusting, safe relationship.
  • Maintaining the balance between relationship and learning is fundamental to mentoring. When trust has been established, mentees are more open to learning and willing to try harder.

• Future-oriented
  • Mentoring focuses on the future…. and the mentee's hopes and dreams.

• Driven by the mentee's learning needs
  • Mentoring closes the gap between a mentee's current understanding and knowledge and what knowledge is needed to be successful.