Mentors at Work

Abstract

Practitioners and researchers agree on the importance of mentors, even though the spontaneous creation of mentors and protégés is little understood. The mentor‐protégé creation process is addressed, and the individual and organisational benefits, and the role of protégés in the relationship, are discussed. Also discussed is the need for mentoring and mentors, explaining how informal, even chance encounters, can grow into strong relationships that benefit both parties and their organisation. Special emphasis is given to the protégé′s role and likely road‐blocks to the formation of these important relationships.