The Value of Mentoring.

The word "mentor" was first mentioned in Homer's epic, the Odyssey. Mentor was the loyal friend and adviser of Odysseus, King of Ithaca. He was also teacher of Odysseus' son, Telemachus. When Odysseus went to fight in the Trojan War, Mentor was responsible for taking care of his son and his household.

When I was a young banker, Charles was my first mentor. He was my friend and colleague who later became my manager. I will always remember the encouragement and support he gave me, particularly when I felt misunderstood or overwhelmed. Although we haven't worked together or lived in the same city for years, we stay in touch and continue to be important in each other's lives.

I recently saw Charles when I was in Chicago attending a conference. As stimulating as the conference was, the conversation we had at lunch was the highlight of the trip. He is a master of asking great questions and gave me fresh insight into a new project I'm working on. It is a reciprocal alliance filled with mutual respect, deep friendship and loyalty. Our relationship has unquestionably made a difference in my life, and has taught me the value of having a mentor and becoming a better mentor to others.

Who is your mentor?

If you don't have a mentor now--or have never had one--it's time to seek a relationship with someone who can stretch your thinking, challenge your old way of doing things and even facilitate change in your life. Starting today, you can seek wisdom from someone you respect, and this person will make significant contributions to your progress.

Don't be afraid to pursue a mentoring relationship. While it is certainly possible that someone might decline to become your mentor, due to limited time or lack of interest--most people are flattered when asked to be a mentor. If someone isn't interested, move on and ask someone else. The way you present yourself as a protege, can go a long way in convincing someone to become your mentor. If you are organized and clear about your objectives, even a busy person may respond favorably.

Are you ready to be protege?

Here are ways that you can demonstrate that you are ready, willing and able to be a protege

* Take the mentoring relationship seriously. It is disrespectful to ask for help, then to turn around and ignore it.

* Honor the mentor's time. This person has business and family obligations and your relationship will typically be a lesser priority. Be prepared for your conversations with a succinct accounting of your progress as well as a list of new questions.

* Create an action plan so that you can direct yourself through the process. It is not your mentor's job to give you step-by-step instructions.

* Be accountable. Mentors will not take you seriously if they make suggestions and you don't follow through.

* Always remember to say "thank you."

When someone mentors you, one of the best ways you can pay back the favor is to mentor someone yourself. The cycle of mentoring is about learning from someone you respect and passing your wisdom along to someone else.

Lisa Aldisert is a management consultant, professional speaker and author specializing in strategic planning and performance management. You can reach her at [e-mail].