What is mentoring, its types and benefits of Mentoring?

Mentoring is a very old term and was first used in Greek mythology. Mentoring facilitate the transmission of knowledge, social capital and psychosocial support which is perceived by the recipient as relevant to his work career or professional development. Mentoring usually involves face to face conversation and communication for a sustained a period of time.

The person who acts as Mentor is perceived to have greater knowledge, wisdom or experience and the person who is considered to have less knowledge or experience is called the protégé.

Types of Mentoring
There are two types of mentoring relationship formal and informal. While the informal relationship developed on their own the formal mentoring relationship are often associated with the monitoring programs of an organization which are designed for the development of the employees.

While the informal mentoring relationships are unplanned and unstructured, the organization is also not involved in it. The results of these relationships are not easy to measure and no training or other standards for the selection of mentors and protégées are set. Still these mentoring relationships results in higher career satisfaction. On the other hand the formal mentoring relationships are planned and structured and organization is also involved in them. These are continuous monitor and results measured. Training is also given to all participants and mentors and mantes are selected through a set criterion. It results in higher job satisfaction.

Benefits of mentoring
Mentoring is beneficial for all the parties involved in it, the mentored the mantes and their organization. The mantes or the protégés get a chance to increase their knowledge and skills besides gaining greater in sight in to organization. They also received constructive feedback regularly which results in the growth of their confidence self esteem. It allows them a chance to access the opportunities that can contribute to their professional and personal development. It also increased their job satisfaction.

On the other hand the mentored gets higher personal and job satisfaction and a chance to show his leadership skills. The mentors also get an opportunity to share and use their own skill and experience. The challenges discussion with people who have a fresh perspective results in development of networks besides a change to reflect on existing skills and practices.