Summary

Clearly, every mentoring relationship is unique, just as every individual is unique. But a high proportion of relationships do seem to follow either the Kram stages of development if it is a sponsoring mentoring scheme, or the European four-phase model if it is a developmental scheme. In either case, to minimise the problems and maximise the benefits of mentoring both the mentor and the mentee must be well briefed on how the relationship may develop. The company, too, needs to monitor the stages of development to provide the external support that will head off serious problems before they occur.