ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses mentoring relationships. We leverage our learning through our relations with others. Humans are primates that live and learn together by interacting with others and working cooperatively to investigate and solve problems. We learn best when we learn cooperatively with others. Each member of our workplace brings a unique perspective to the workforce through their competencies, capabilities, and capacity to understand and interact with others. As social learners, collaborative mentoring is a very natural way that we learn and socialize. Everyday mentoring happens between friends, parents, teachers, colleagues, leaders, and team members. These mentoring relationships help to build better relationships and leverage learning, share experience, and build capacity. Mentorship should be a protected relationship that supports and develops all members. Collaborative mentoring requires shared purpose, opportunities for growth, open communication, and confidentiality. You choose your path then choose your mentors, wisely. Each of us, throughout our lives, looks to mentors to assist us in our life’s journey.
