In the last decade, the practice has evolved from an experimental technique to management strategy to a full-blown cult. Seasoned professionals offer guidance to aspiring entrepreneurs. Female executives help other women crack the glass ceiling. Wise alumni take uncertain young graduates under their wings. Those who've kicked drugs help addicts who want to quit.
Cancer survivors give hope to the newly stricken.
People unhappy with their careers think they'll find a solution in The Mentor. Mentoring is so popular, in fact, that it has spawned unrealistic expectations. This is particularly true in the business world, where people who are unhappy with their careers think they'll find a perfect solution in The Mentor. The problem, she says, is that many people now look at mentoring as a commodity. They believe they should have one mentor who saves them, guides them, and watches out for them for the rest of their careers.