3 things you should know about - mentoring

1 Moral support

Mentoring is an increasingly important tool for personal and professional development. As the person being mentored (the 'mentee'), you will enjoy the insight and experience of - and regular encouragement from - a more senior colleague. Mentoring programmes are designed to provide moral support, as well as advice on how to face work-related challenges, and feedback on certain aspects of your performance in your current role in addition to your aspirations.

2 Is it for me?

Anyone can be mentored - in fact, many managers continue their relationship with their mentor long after the formal programme has ceased. You're most likely to undergo mentoring during your training years, as well as perhaps during your initial step up into management. Occasionally, mentors will be provided for people who have joined from a firm where there are major cultural differences, and a degree of assimilation is required, or who have relocated from abroad.

3 Make it work

To make the most of the mentoring, it's important to be open and honest with your mentor - who should in turn treat anything you tell them with the utmost confidentiality. Ask questions, stick to scheduled meetings, and take responsibility for making the relationship work. Mentors will understand that, occasionally, apathy can set in. If they know you're struggling, they'll be there to remind you of your objectives and help rekindle your enthusiasm.