Many organizations use mentors to foster personal and career development. Learn about business mentors and the benefits of mentoring in this course.

A mentor is someone who offers his or her knowledge, wisdom, and advice to someone with less experience. Both parties receive significant benefits from a successful mentoring partnership. Many observers see mentoring as a highly effective approach to employee motivation and retention.

Although many business organizations have mentor programs, mentoring is not unique to the business world. Mentors have been around for centuries to help people reach their educational, professional, and personal goals. You may have had someone in your life who was instrumental in helping you reach your long term goals. Your mentor may have been a friend, relative, or business acquaintance.

Mentoring is similar to coaching, but is a broader, more holistic process.

Businesses implement mentoring programs for a variety of reasons, including new employee orientation as well as employee development and retention.

Mentors serve as advisors and role models for mentees. They share their knowledge, experience, and network of professional contacts with someone who is at an earlier stage in his or her career.