Wherever there are beginners and experts, learning and teaching occurs.
We are all learners and teachers at some point. Knowledge passed from one to another is the basis of society and community, and is particularly relevant in a constantly evolving setting like UC Davis. Mentoring is an interactive relationship which involves both teaching and learning between the mentor and the person being mentored It is a method for developing individuals with the help of more experienced individuals for the purpose of addressing knowledge or behavior gaps. Mentoring programs provide employees the opportunity to learn from experts to develop and grow into who they want to become professionally.
More specifically mentoring is:
- A dynamic partnership built on mutual respect, trust and the sharing of ideas and experiences.
- A relationship which supports learning and performance through interactions facilitated problem solving, and clear guidance.
- A process of assessing individual strengths and growth opportunities.
- A relationship in which a mentee takes ownership of the learning experience and content.
- Supporting someone in overall development, working toward potential that they may not see.
The Myths of Mentoring:
- Mentoring is a job-training or shadowing program.
- Mentoring leads to a promise of promotion.
- Mentors have the latest information available on the organization.
- Mentors control the next career step.
- Mentoring is a "fix"
- People should have the same mentor for their entire careers.