Mentoring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mentoring

[หˆmษ›ntษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

professional development

Mentoring is a professional relationship in which an experienced person (the mentor) supports and guides a less experienced person (the mentee) in their personal and professional growth. The mentor provides advice, feedback, and encouragement to help the mentee develop their skills and achieve their goals.

Synonyms

coaching, guidance, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
mentoring

Usually involves a more experienced person helping and guiding someone less experienced over a longer period of time.

  • She sought mentoring from a senior colleague to advance her career
guidance

Refers to providing advice or information to resolve a problem or make a decision.

  • The teacher offered guidance on choosing the right college
coaching

Focuses on improving specific skills or achieving specific goals, often in a shorter timeframe.

  • He hired a personal coach to improve his public speaking skills
support

General assistance that can include emotional, practical, or financial help.

  • During tough times, she found great support from her friends and family

Examples of usage

  • The mentoring program pairs new employees with experienced managers.
  • She credits her success to the guidance she received through mentoring.
  • Effective mentoring can lead to increased job satisfaction and career advancement.
Context #2 | Verb

professional development

To mentor someone is to provide guidance, support, and advice to help them develop their skills and achieve their goals. It involves sharing knowledge and experience to assist the mentee in their personal and professional growth.

Synonyms

coach, guide, support.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
guide

Refers to someone who gives advice or shows the way in a specific context, such as traveling or learning something new. It implies more of a directing role.

  • Our tour guide showed us around the ancient city.
  • The professor served as a guide to help the students with their research.
coach

Commonly used in the context of improving specific skills, often in sports or professional development. The relationship is typically structured and goal-oriented.

  • He is my fitness coach and helps me stay in shape.
  • The executive coach assisted the manager in developing leadership skills.
support

Used when referring to providing assistance, encouragement, or help to someone, often emotionally or practically. It is broader and can apply to various situations.

  • She provided emotional support during his tough times.
  • Technical support is available 24/7 for troubleshooting issues.

Examples of usage

  • She mentored several junior colleagues throughout her career.
  • The manager took on the role of mentoring the new hires.
  • Mentoring can be a rewarding experience for both the mentor and the mentee.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Education

  • Studies show that mentoring can lead to increased academic performance in students, helping them feel more engaged in their learning.
  • Peer mentoring programs in schools often foster connections between older and younger students, encouraging a supportive learning environment.

Psychology

  • Mentoring relationships can boost self-esteem and confidence in mentees, making them feel valued and understood.
  • Research indicates that having a mentor can positively impact mental health by providing social support and reducing feelings of isolation.

Business

  • In the corporate world, mentoring programs can enhance employee retention, as workers feel more connected and supported in their roles.
  • Reverse mentoring, where younger employees mentor senior executives, is increasingly popular to bridge generational gaps and introduce new perspectives.

Technology

  • Online mentoring platforms have emerged, connecting mentors and mentees from different parts of the world, making support accessible to many.
  • Coding bootcamps often include mentoring as a key component, where experienced programmers guide novices through challenging concepts and projects.

Origin of 'mentoring'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'mentor' comes from Greek mythology, specifically from Odysseus, who entrusted his friend Mentor to teach his son Telemachus.
  • The term gained popularity in the 18th century, especially related to education and personal guidance.

The concept of mentoring dates back to ancient Greece, where the character Mentor from Homer's Odyssey served as a wise and trusted advisor to Odysseus' son, Telemachus. The term 'mentor' has since become synonymous with a trusted counselor or guide. In modern times, mentoring has evolved into a structured professional development practice aimed at fostering learning and growth.


See also: mentor, mentors.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,686, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.