They help those they guide to systematically record their progress and analyze it. Mentors allow the individuals they guide to put down their guard. Mentors sometimes put down their guard as well, allowing for a relationship based on camaraderie and sharing. Having seen more in their careers than the mentee, great mentors are always prepared to play show and tell or travel guide when the mentee is preparing for new experiences. This partnership will ideally last a lifetime.
Experienced mentors realize they gain as much as they give to their relationships.
And if they re wise, they ll understand exactly what they gain and they ll thank their prot g s for it. At some point in the relationship, prot g s becomes something more. They realize the full extent of their own abilities and take on a greater share of the responsibility for their career and personal growth. Mentors should encourage mentees to develop their own strengths further and become their own persons.