What is Mentorship

Very simply, Mentorship is a guiding relationship, in which the Mentor, someone who is usually more experienced or senior gives of her time to assist the professional or personal development of someone else – the Mentee.
A Mentee usually requests for mentorship when she is trying to clarify her direction, achieve professional or personal goals and growth, or wants help to address challenges.
A mentoring relationship will usually be one-to-one. The focus and agenda is set by the Mentee based on her requirement and insights. With her experience, the Mentor responds by providing support and guidance, and does not impose her own agenda on the Mentee.
A mentoring relationship is built on trust, and there is an exchange of knowledge, experience and goodwill. It operates in an environment free of judgement or bias. The aim always remains to build the Mentee’s capacity and capability to navigate in the best way possible. In a good mentorship relationship, the Mentor often learns from the Mentee as well.
Sometimes Mentees specifically look for a Mentor from a particular work domain or career stage or age.
Mentorship, like all relationships, evolves over time. It may include career guidance, skill development, role modelling, psychosocial and emotional support, and helping the Mentee develop a supportive network of other mentors and peers.