ABSTRACT

The world is full of magical things. We are surrounded by the miraculous, embroidered into the ordinary events of everyday life. Trees have strong roots that offer nourishment and a solid trunk from which to grow branches and foliage. They are effective communicators and they are adept at functioning within a particular context. Resourcefulness in mentoring means taking the time to recognise real and imagined limitations, having the required persistence to work with them, and using our knowledge and expertise to make the changes necessary to achieve the outcomes we want. Part of the magic of mentoring is the forum it provides to pay attention to the detail, to reflect on our experiences, to notice the ordinary, to recognise patterns, limitations and opportunities. By working together both mentors and mentees become part of a bigger system which creates the opportunity for transformational change.