A New Experience in Mentoring. . .

Traditional mentoring can be defined as a process in which an experienced individual provides guidance, support, and knowledge to a less experienced person, with the goal of helping them develop their knowledge, skills, and abilities to excel in their endeavors. This type of mentoring can involve a close and ongoing relationship between the mentor and the mentee or a one-time meeting, where the mentor shares their expertise and provides advice and feedback to help the mentee grow professionally, and possibly personally. The mentor acts as a role model, offering guidance, and helping the mentee navigate challenges and make informed decisions, too often from the mentor’s perspective and in the mentor’s likeness. It can be a tool for building confidence, learning, and growth.

Transformative mentoring as a community refers to a process where individuals are guided and supported by community in a way that leads to significant personal growth, accountability, and self and professional development. This type of mentoring involves a deep level of engagement, reflection, empowering individuals to make meaningful changes in their lives, resulting in transformation. Through this form of community-centered mentoring, individuals are encouraged to explore their beliefs, values, accountability, and behaviors, ultimately leading to a more fulfilling and purposeful life. Individuals need a broad range of abilities to connect in a globally expansive, diversely ideated world. Overall, this mentoring is a deeply valuable tool for personal and professional and development, organic growth and expanded learning in individuals towards the present and future they envision.