And they know how to teach the art of strategic thinking to those they guide. Mentors are in the position they are in because of their experience. They should be able to offer wisdom and perspective drawn from their experience. Mentors are detail-oriented. 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.