Many companies have

discovered that the use of a mentor for new employees not

only helps them settle into their job and company

environment, but also contributes to a lower turnover

rate.

A mentor, basically, is

someone who serves as a counselor, a guide or coach.

Being asked to serve as a mentor is an honor. It

indicates that the company has faith in the person's

abilities and trusts him or her to have a positive impact

on the situation. Whether informal or formal, both

parties need to understand the parameters. These may be

more important in a long-term, formal mentoring

situation, but can also influence the success of

short-term, informal mentoring.

� The mentor's role is to

teach and advise the new employee. The mentor does not

interfere with the supervisor or manager,s decisions. The

new employee, while expected to seek the mentor,s advice,

particularly on critical issues, is not bound to accept

that advice.

�Confidentiality is

important. Both parties need to feel confident that

discussions remain between them-not immediately

relayed to a supervisor or manager.

� Certain areas may be

considered off-limits. The mentor needs to outline these

areas at the beginning.

�Openness and respect:

Both the mentor and the person being mentored need to be

open and honest, yet respect the other. A mentor who

withholds important information or comments does not

contribute to the other person,s success. However, such

comments should be delivered with tact and

courtesy-and (even if somewhat hurtful) received

with an open mind.

Most often the role of

mentor is associated with serving as advisor to a new

employee. However, persons interested in changing career

fields might seek out a mentor or a business coach to

help them evaluate their decision and offer guidance.

Gregory P. Smith shows

businesses how to build productive and profitable work

environments that attract, keep and motivate their

workforce. He speaks at conferences and is the President

of a management consulting firm called Chart Your Course

International located in Conyers, Georgia. Phone him at

(770)860-9464