Summary

No one expects mentors or mentees to be perfect. Indeed, the mentoring relationship is one in which developing skills and positive personal characteristics is both the goal and the core of the process. However, in selecting participants in a mentoring programme, it is important to consider what each is able and willing to learn and to contribute. One of the gratifying aspects of the introductory briefings I have given in many companies about to launch mentoring programmes is that so many people who have come with the intent of becoming a mentor decide instead (or as well) to be a mentee, and vice versa!