Your Role

The ideal mentor is a person who can be thought of as a tribal elder, someone who can explain the software of senior corporate life to those aspiring to be a part of it

Mentors listen, encourage, inspire, take an interest, share time, give attention, clarify, give suggestions for action, question, suggest alternatives, are trustworthy, provide constructive criticism, open doors, guide and build self confidence.

The special qualities to be sought in a mentor include:

• Commitment to mentoring
• A good record for and interest in developing other people
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to share credit
• A wide range of current skills
• Technical competence
• Patience and risk taking
• Status and prestige
• Willingness to take responsibility for another person's growth
• A network of contacts and influence
• Personal power and charisma.