Mentor Roles

Mentors assume various roles in their relationships with mentees. These roles overlap and change over time. In successful relationships, the number of roles that a mentor takes on often increases as the relationship develops.

Some of the roles you may assume are:

• Teacher/Trainer: Providing learning opportunities and offering your experience as a guide
• Positive Role Model: Demonstrating exemplary behavior and offering values that will increase chances for success and happiness
• Social Supporter/guide: Providing encouragement to the mentee as he or she embarks on new experiences
• Resource Supporter/advocate: Speaking and acting on behalf of the mentee and helping the mentee access community resources
• Challenger: Encouraging your mentee to maximize their potential
• Friend/Companion: Being consistently available and sincere; providing your mentee with caring and unconditional friendship

The roles you play at any given time are determined by the mentee's needs, desires, and interests.