Definition of Mentor: A wise and trusted counselor or teacher.
Mentoring - To serve as a trusted counselor or teacher, especially in occupational settings.
(The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company.)

Mentoring is an ongoing process; usually with no end result. It is characterized by professional intimacy, respect, cooperation, and interdependence.

It is an arrangement that is sought by the "junior" character through a process of examination of one or more professional or more experienced leaders. It cannot be assigned by a third party.

Its qualities may be described in this acronym:

Mindful attention
Encouragement
Nurture professional growth
Teach with joy
Observe and orient as needed
Recognize and respect the accomplishments and efforts of the mentee
(Kathy Sitzman in Home Healthcare Nurse 16 (1), p. 20. January, 1998)

Mindfulness Explored
Mindfulness is defined as the state of being attentive to and aware of what is taking place in the present-paying attention to what is happening in the present reality. Being aware and keeping awareness of one's self in the context of the environment and the presence of another human being. One can be conscious of one's own emotions, cognition, sensory stimulation, motives, and perceptions at one time while controlling them by priority-setting so that one or more may not be at the center of attention. Mindfulness can be an enhanced awareness and attention to present reality.

Mindfulness may be compromised by anxious thoughts, multi-tasking, distractions, awareness of an overriding sensation or perception of emotion. Mindlessness, on the other hand, is deliberate inattention.

In the role of Mentor, one is in a high state of awareness to the needs and desires for learning that a Mentee presents. It speaks of "otherness" rather than having a subjective focus.

What are the Functions of a Good Mentor?
•Demonstrating role expertise and promoting role socialization
• Providing a vision by role modeling, offering a man, suggesting a new language or way of speaking, and providing a mirror
• Providing a reflective practice that enables the mentee to determine how and why decisions are made and how these decisions influence positive outcomes
• Sharing values and customs
• Providing support and structure which involves listening, befriending, expressing positive expectations, and making the experience special
• Setting high standards and demanding performance
• Empowering the mentee to reach autonomy that comes from competency, self-confidence, and responsibility
• Opening doors, facilitating important contacts
(Busen, N.J. & Engegretson, J.(1999). "Mentoring in Advanced Practice Nursing" The
Internet Journal of Advanced Nursing Practice Vol 2 (2)

The Mentor brings expertise, experience, organizational skill and authority.

The process is characterized like this:
1. The Mentor creates opportunity for learning and experience for the Mentee by invitation or by arranging involvement in structured activity (committee, project, research, etc.)
2. Through the exposure the Mentor provides protection by absorbing negative feedback, translating communication, facilitating relationship development.
3. The Mentor coaches performance and assesses it; encourages discussion and other feedback, demonstrates effective modeling
4. Limits of knowledge and skill are tested with challenges, constructing hypotheses and engaging in spirited discussions; self-esteem is strengthened.
5. The relationship of Mentor and Mentee grows mutual positive regard and respect. The Mentor models by example consciously and unconsciously. The Mentee selects admired behaviors to emulate; trust is developed.
6. The Mentor facilitates constructive discussion and counsels in a confidential manner, offering advice as necessary
7. Because this is a social learning process, the Mentee must develop an openness to receiving support and guidance. A synergy or "chemistry" exists between them.
8. This may be a relationship that lasts a lifetime.

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