The word mentor comes from the Greek language and means a thinker and protector who can be entrusted with watching over the most important people and material goods. In Greek mythology, Odysseus handed over the care of his family to his mentor. Athena also took on the form of a mentor because she supported Telemachus, Odysseus’ son, during his journey. The perception of a mentor as an experienced advisor and supportive teacher became popular in the 18th century thanks to the work Les Adventyres de Telemarque by François Fénelon, published in the 17th century.

The terms mentor and mentoring conceptually refer to, among others, to the Hindu tradition of sampradaya (passing on religious knowledge to subsequent generations, resisting the succession of teachers and students), but also to medieval craft guilds (in which students developed their skills under the supervision of masters) and humanistic psychology emphasizing the possibility of continuous human personal development.

There are over 50 equivalent definitions of mentor and mentoring in professional literature. So how do you determine what a mentor is? To put it simply, it is a person who has knowledge and experience in a given field as well as high interpersonal skills that allow the mentee (the person using the mentor’s services) to offer direct substantive and emotional support in matters of personal and professional development.

Most importantly, a professional mentor will be a person who has a natural ability to play the role of a critical and supportive partner, effectively shares his knowledge and experience, and has specialized qualifications. Professional mentors must have certain certificates and accreditations, such as those from EMCC and INF.

A professional mentor is therefore a person providing support, having professional experience, knowledge and mentoring competences, and having documents confirming his qualifications. Documents confirming appropriate preparation for mentoring may include certificates confirming completion of specialized training and individual accreditations (formal confirmation of qualifications and competences).

When looking for certified training and schools for mentors, you should check whether the educational programs offered are appropriately accredited.

For example, the European Mentoring & Coaching Council is a global organization that has been promoting the quality and development of coaching, mentoring and supervision for 30 years. EMCC consists of experts – practitioners of mentoring, coaching and supervision, as well as representatives of the scientific world and HR specialists. The objectives of the EMCC include, among others: encouraging people interested in the services of mentors and coaches to use the services of professionals in this field. The organization’s goal is also to educate business and society (in the field of professional competences of mentors, coaches and supervisors). Efforts to professionalize the coaching industry, expanding and improving mentoring and coaching competencies are no less important. In addition, it is also important to support EMCC members (professional mentors, coaches and supervisors).

A professional mentor is a charismatic person who enjoys the trust and respect of those around him. A mentor usually holds a high position in a given environment and has achieved specific professional successes. He is a role model and an authority in a given field. The main goal in the process of working with a mentee is primarily to bring out his/her strengths and develop his/her potential. At the same time, the mentoring relationship should be very supportive.

Most often, a professional mentor is distinguished by excellent work skills, great organization and planning. Has the ability to speak precisely and listen actively. He is able to engage mentees, and by asking the right questions he allows them to discover a new perspective and open up to innovative solutions. Moreover, the mentor effectively motivates and inspires and provides feedback efficiently. The aim of mentoring is always to support the mentee and search for possible paths of personal and professional development.

Mentoring works in many forms: in internal company programs, pro bono cross-business programs or as part of individual cooperation. Regardless of the type of cooperation, the role of the mentor is to bring out the mentee’s strengths and develop her/his potential in a business context.

Source:https://mentornow.pl/mentor-kto-to-jest-jaka-jest-jego-rola/

Supported by Norway through Norway Grants 2014-2021, in the frame of the Programme “Social Dialogue – Decent Work”.