Mentors and Role Models: Are They Important?

Abstract

Drawing on personal experience, the author stresses the importance of mentoring, particularly for those whose backgrounds in any way set them apart. Ideally, the mentor will not only offer advice but also instill confidence. Mentoring, she states, can go far to dispel stereotypes and can be highly effective in helping firms retain talent. Successful mentoring experiences have the effect of creating new mentors in later years.