Mentorship refers to a developmental relationship in which a more experienced person helps a less experienced person--referred to as a protege, apprentice, or mentoree-- develop in a specified capacity.

Mentoring involves communication and is relationship-based. In the organizational setting, mentoring can take many forms. One definition we like is "Mentoring is a process for the informal transmission of knowledge, social capital, and the psychosocial support perceived by the recipient as relevant to work, career, or professional development"

BluMentoring entails informal communication, usually face-to-face, by telephone, email, instant or video chat between a person who is perceived to have greater relevant knowledge, wisdom, or experience (the mentor) and a person who is perceived to have less (the protege).

Historical

The word itself was inspired by the character of Mentor in Homer's Odyssey where the goddess Athena guides young Telemachus in his time of difficulty.

Historically significant systems of mentorship include the guru / disciple tradition practiced in Hinduism and Buddhism; Elders; the discipleship system practiced by Rabbinical Judaism and the Christian church; and apprenticing under the medieval guild system.

Informal vs. Formal Mentoring

Informal mentoring relationships develop on their own between partners.

Formal mentoring programs typically focus on career development with social and vocational support. In well-designed formal mentoring programs, there are program goals, schedules, training and information, and evaluation.

BluMentor combines both informal and formal mentoring approaches where we expect relationships to develop at the pace and agreed-upon outcomes of the mentor and protege. We supplement the mentoring program with suggested goals, schedules, training through conference calls and regular communication with participants, and regular evaluation.

Types of Mentoring Models

Mentoring relationships can develop under a cloning model, nurturing model, friendship model and apprenticeship model or a combination of models.

Cloning model -- the mentor tries to produce a duplicate copy of him or her self.

Nurturing model -- a parent figure creates a safe, open environment in which mentee can both learn and try things for himself or herself.

Friendship model -- a peer-to-peer relationship rather than a hierarchical relationship.

Apprenticeships -- An apprenticeship is less focused on personal or social aspects with strong focus on skills development for a particular career.