The Mentor Who Nurtures

The mentor must be able to create an open, candid atmosphere that will encourage the mentee to confide in and trust him or her. The mentor is there to draw out the mentee and help discover his or her identity within the organisation. With the help of the mentor, the mentee undertakes self-assessment and discovers where his or her skills, aspirations and interests lie. Most importantly, the mentor must be able to listen to the mentee and ask open-ended questions that will draw out the less experienced person.

One key test of the mentor who nurtures is a track record of bringing along subordinates. If his or her department has provided a consistent breeding-ground for talented young supervisors and managers, then the chances are high that he or she will make a good mentor for people from other departments.