What is the role of a mentor in a professional setting?

In a professional setting, the role of a mentor is fundamentally to provide guidance and support to less experienced individuals. Mentorship involves sharing knowledge, experiences, and skills to help mentees grow professionally and personally. A mentor fosters a supportive environment where mentees can ask questions, seek advice, and develop their capabilities without fear of criticism. This relationship often emphasizes collaboration and the mutual exchange of ideas, enabling mentees to navigate their career paths more effectively and achieve their professional goals.

This emphasis on guidance and support is what distinguishes mentorship from other roles, such as supervision or management, which may focus more on oversight and evaluation rather than personal and professional development.