A mentor is open-minded and through active and respectful listening provides practical guidance on key issues defined by the mentee. The mentor establishes a very strong rapport and professional friendship by being able to relate and be empathetic. The mentor provides encouragement, motivates and challenges performance. A mentor is honest and confidential in giving reliable, realistic, and appropriate advice through innovative thought and strong problem solving. A mentor also sets high standards for performance and provides ongoing assessment that leads to growth academically and personally. Both mentor and mentee have performance criteria. A mentor seeks to be a self-grower and helps the mentee to become a self-grower also. A mentor focuses on professional development of both the mentee and mentor through motivation to perform exceptionally. The mentor is a strong and well respected professional who is a quality role model. A mentor provides a strong perspective and is accessible professionally to share relevant experiences. The mentor is willing to take significant risks to support the right type of advocacy.

A mentor is…

a trusted advisor, a provider of wise counsel and advice (Oxford Dictionary)

a teacher, coach, advisor (Pacific Crest Teaching Institute Handbook)

"a particular kind of relationship in which a person with identified abilities or competencies enables another human being to develop his/her own abilities and talents; a close personal relationship, a process of working together to achieve agreed upon goals; a mutual relationship, with mentors and mentees deriving satisfaction from their alliance" (Williams, Philip, Mentoring At-Risk Students, Mentor 2000, Long Beach, CA, 1992.)