The Roles of Mentors

• a sounding board: someone who listens to your ideas in resolving dilemmas you are facing
• a coach: to assist you to develop more skills and abilities in working to influence others
• a networker: to introduce you to others who may assist you in specific areas
• a challenger: someone who gives you feedback on how you are approaching your work / life and challenges your thinking and approaches
• an educator: someone who offers insights into life, managing and leadership processes
• a confidant: someone you can discuss specific situations and problems with on a confidential basis
• a wise guide: someone who can assist you through the maze of confusing possibilities, someone to overview your development, and encourage when things don't work out well
• Magician: someone who enables new and different perspectives on recurring dilemmas

2005, The Organisation Development Company.