Mentors “sponsor” a mentee in the following ways:
- Protect the mentee by making certain that the mentee has all the information, knowledge and skill needed prior to embarking on a course of action. The mentor also makes certain that any risks taken are reasonable and will not have a detrimental effect should the risk not succeed as well as expected.
- Support the mentee in his/her efforts to achieve mastery over specific competencies. It is one of the most important aspects of the mentoring relationship.
- Promote the mentee’s good name within and outside the organization.
- The Mentor advocates for the mentee’s career or personal development to the extent appropriate within the boundaries of the relationship and the climate of the organization. Promoting the mentee does not mean obtaining or arranging for a promotion within the organization.
- Referral Agent for the mentee in gaining access to the information or resources needed as part of the mentee’s development.
- Door Opener for the mentee by assisting him/her in networking with appropriate individuals both within and outside the organization who can assist the mentee in attaining his/her career development.