As we advance in age and life, we acquire more knowledge and practical experience in a variety of areas. Then comes a time when what we have learned could be of use to someone else going through similar situations that you once faced in life. Your attitudes and views could positively change that person’s handling of life. He looks upon you for further support and thus a relationship begins to develop. Adult mentoring is nothing but being there for somebody when he needs you the most, whether in personal or professional life, to encourage him, assist him, guide him, improve his situations and enhance the quality of his life. With your mentorship, they find new realms of success in their personal and job related interactions and find out more options to live optimistically and work creatively.
Adult mentoring is an ongoing process; a partnership between the mentor and the mentee to fulfill the emotional, intellectual, professional, and personal expectations and requirements of the latter; in the process the mentor too is rediscovering himself with his interactions with another person with another set of experiences. The flow of communication is a two-way process; it is a give and take, a mutual cooperation society of two persons.
Most formal adult mentoring programs are aimed at imparting valuable information and support to the new entrants of a company so that they can later become efficient employees; organizations have special employee mentoring programs to make professionals out of novices; the companies may utilize the experience and expertise of a senior staff to teach a new employee or hire the services of a career counselor to develop and direct the professional life of all their employees. Some companies even take care of the personal lives of its staff by organizing personality development programs for them. A better personal life is sure to bring better results in work.
There are several adult mentoring organizations which are mainly volunteer agencies providing advice and support to people on various matters, the most important being career and personal development. They are also actively involved in mentoring programs for the aged, diseased, disabled, and mentally challenged; mentoring programs in public health, obesity and diet, serious illness, and domestic problems; almost all fields of human activity require mentoring at one time or the other, and these adult mentoring organizations offer a helping hand to those in need and help them overcome their fears, anxieties, misconceptions, and create better awareness and understanding to lead a fruitful life.