They offer support, challenge, patience and enthusiasm while they guide others to new levels of competence. They point the way and represent tangible evidence of what one can become. They expose the recipients of their mentoring to new ideas, perspectives and standards, and the values and norms of the profession. They are more expert in terms of knowledge, but see themselves as equal to those they mentor. It is difficult to predict the combination of personal and professional qualities that attract individuals to one another in mentor relationships.
Many mentors say there is no magic combination.
Some individuals are attracted to opposites. Others are attracted to those with similar interests, styles and backgrounds. Certainly they can, and with great success. Mentoring in Life Mentoring occurs in other aspects of life besides the professional one. For example, it is especially important for teens to develop mentoring relationships with adults other than their parents.