What is Mentoring?

Mentoring is generally regarded as a process of one person gaining wisdom and getting practical help from another person who is more experienced. The mentoring relationship involves two people, where the mentee seeks guidance, inspiration and practical advice from the mentor. The mentor will have something to offer the mentee such as experience in a particular field, or knowledge and insight through life experience.

At their best, women’s mentoring relationships are a mutually beneficial experience and exchange of ideas that nurture and support women to achieve their potential.

Mentoring relationships involve the exchange of learning, skills development and sharing ideas, and can also involve mutual passion for a particular area of interest. Mentoring can assist the mentee to develop her skills and confidence, build her capacities and nurture her leadership skills. It can also provide a safe environment in which the mentee can face challenges and explore options with the support of an experienced person to provide guidance and encouragement.

Of course, the mentee also brings her own experience and knowledge, and the mentoring relationship provides a learning opportunity for both women. The process of sharing ideas generates new insights, understandings and the opening up of new questions and new possibilities. The mentee’s questions and interest in the mentor’s role allow the mentor to increase her own awareness and enhance her own skills.

Mentoring relationships can be sought for a limited time or for a specific purpose, or can continue on an ongoing basis. They can be informal and casual, or more formal and structured. They can be with someone you already know or someone who you have been matched with.

Mentoring relationships should be enjoyable, effective and rewarding for both parties. A great mentoring experience can enable learning to occur in leaps and bounds!

Mentoring is about:

• Building a respectful and collaborative relationship
• Both the mentor and mentee giving to and gaining from the relationship
• Being open to and enthusiastic about learning and sharing
• Having clear boundaries and ensuring a healthy sense of self
• Respect for the experience and contribution of each woman in the mentoring relationship.

What is Mentoring? (38 KB)

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Welcome to Online Mentoring for Women
Why Online Mentoring?
Being a Mentor
Being a Mentee

Reflective Learning Modules
        Values and Strengths
        Leadership
        Career
        Study
        Volunteering
        Healthy Life Balance
        Effective Communication

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