When successful women executives talk about the forces that helped them get where they are, many of them mention mentors. Mentors often wield considerable institutional power.
Mentors act as teachers, counselors, and coaches.
These functions help the protegee establish a role in the organization, learn the ropes, and prepare for advancement. These functions help increase the protegee's sense of confidence, identity, and effectiveness. Functions Mentors Perform Mentors teach, advise, counsel, coach, guide, and sponsor. They often are able to give insights into the business that the protegee might not otherwise learn. They may serve as a sounding board for the protegee, and they can offer constructive criticism.