A Mentor Does and Does not

A mentor..

• Takes a long-range view of your growth and development.
• Helps you see the destination but does not give you the detailed map to get there.
• Offers encouragement and cheerleading, but not "how to" advice.

A mentor does not..

• Serve as a coach as explained above.
• Function as an advocate of yours in the organizational environment such as your boss would; the relationship is more informal.
• Tell you how to do things.
• Support you on transactional, short-term problems.
• Serve as a counselor or therapist.