The Power of Mentoring
The broad and basic definition of a Mentor, is one who is an experienced and trusted advisor. The more formal definition of Mentorship is the guidance provided by a Mentor, especially an experienced person in a company or educational institute. Throughout history, there have been various other names for a Mentor. In law enforcement, a Mentor is called a Rabbi. This would be an experienced officer, who guides a young rookie officer through the ins and outs of being part of a law enforcement agency. In the religious community, a Mentor is often referred to as a Confessor, This could be a member of the clergy, or simply someone who is a member of the congregation.
Mentoring can be a powerful interaction between an experienced Mentor and a lesser experienced Mentee. The relationship is typically guidance based and can take place in a variety of formats, such as professional life, school environments and marriage.
Regardless of the title, everyone at some point in their life needs someone to assist them in professional, spiritual matters, parenting etc. At it’s core, Mentoring can be a powerful experience for the Mentor and the person receiving the Mentoring.
The history of Mentoring, appears to have originated as far back as Greek Mythology. A man named Mentor became a trusted confidant and overseer to Odysseus and his son Telemachus. This relationship occurred during the time of the Greek War against Troy. Through the dealings of Mentor and these two famous Greek leaders, the term Mentor was coined. From this time in Greek Mythology and up to the last one hundred years or so, there was little reference to Mentoring. Logic would tell us that those types of interactions must have taken place in many communities around the world. The important concept of apprenticeship, certainly had strong elements of Mentorship in it’s DNA. Over the course of US history, there have been many who have participated in Mentor Mentee arrangements. Some notable examples are listed below.
Henry David Thoreau, American essayist, poet and philosopher was Mentored by Ralph Waldo Emerson. Emerson was a powerful American essayist and poet, who led the Transcendentalist Movement in the mid 19th century. Emerson was a major influencer in the same disciplines as Thoreau and shaped his education and philosophy.
Helen Keller, American author and disability advocate, was Mentored by Anne Sullivan. Sullivan taught Keller to overcome her blindness and became one of the most powerful figures in American history.
General Colin Powell, Four Star General and former Secretary of State had an experience many young people shared. Powell had a family member as his Mentor. In his case, Powell was Mentored by his Father. Powell credited his father for instilling in him the virtues of hard work, loyalty, integrity and being a leader. These traits later became the central focus of Powell’s life.
These three examples are of very public and famous American figures. The fact is, anyone who has some experience and expertise, can be a Mentor. In addition to having experience and expertise, the main requirement for Mentorship, is a willingness to help others. Being interested in others, giving back and “paying it forward”, should be the core values of Mentorship. Now that we are fully into 2022,let this be the year, everyone steps-up and becomes a Mentor.