`Mentoring’ is a word which is traced back to its roots from Greek literature, illustrated in the Greek epic, The Odyssey. Odysseus son’s teacher donned the dual role of a coach/mentor to his son and the role of friend to Odysseus. His character as a mentor served as a teacher, advisor and the role model in Homer’s masterpiece. Most of the mentors today serve in much the same way.

In the modern world, mentoring exists both in structured and unstructured contexts. Perhaps the most common form of mentoring today involves the expansion of instant informal relationships into mentoring relationships. Such relationships tend to form between persons shifting into a more professional role or position with persons who are accomplished and experienced. In the current scenario, the inevitability of mentoring is becoming apparent at an increasing pace. We can witness the widespread requirement of mentoring in businesses, schools, industries, universities, etc. It involves the introduction of structured training programs for mentoring, so as to tag on the new professionals to the experienced professionals, in order to overcome the difficulties of new job, culture, environment, situations or for the purpose of pure professional development.

Mentoring involves advising, teaching, counseling and being a role model to the mentee (generally a junior and new to the organization). Mentor (generally a senior and experienced person) tries to focus on and foster the mentee’s achievements and success at the workplace. It is a relationship between a mentor and a mentee, which changes as each one grows, learns and gains experience over a period of time. New employees and professionals involved in a mentoring relationship, enjoy an enriching learning experience besides the practical exposure to the work. Mentoring becomes an increasingly important component during the times of adult transition. There should be someone to fuel the individual internal commitments to bring them into reality.

A mentor can make a huge difference between winning and losing. He has to be positive, experienced, reliable, patient, empathetic and knowledgeable. These are the few attributes of a great mentor. Every individual will have dreams of his/her own. What he/she needs to realize his/her dreams is a mentor. Though a gem may be intrinsically valuable, its real value is realized only when it is finely cut and polished. This value addition in an individual’s case can be metaphorically related with mentor.

There are many types of mentors who have different styles of functioning. But they all positively reinforce their words’ talents and help them attain their goals. Sam Walton, American Retail Executive and Founder of Wal-Mart Stores Inc., said, “Outstanding leaders go out of their way to boost the self-esteem of their personnel. If people believe in themselves, it’s amazing what they can accomplish.” Great mentors see more potential in us rather than what we see in ourselves. A great mentor inspires us, he understands our strengths and weaknesses and helps us overcome all our constraints and bottlenecks. He will bridge the gap between where we are and where we need to reach, he will believe in us; he gives a big break and initiates a new beginning for the future platform. He places the individual in a safe and desired destination. He vicariously draws his inspiration from dominant personalities who influence his/her life; it’s a scalar chain which continues!