The Importance of the Mentor
The Greek poet Homer tells us how Odysseus left his son Telemachus in the care of his old friend Mentor. Mentor guides Telemachus in the search for his lost father and his true heritage in The Odyssey.
From this Greek mythology we get the word mentor that’s now come to be defined as “an experienced and trusted advisor.”
The importance of the mentor role is further illuminated in Joseph Campbell’s The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Campbell points out that the hero, reluctant to engage in the adventure, meets a protective figure with supernatural aid. This mentor archetype provides a magical amulet or sage-like advice the hero will need along the journey.
Contemporary story telling drives home Campbell’s observation:
- Luke Skywalker is guided by Obi-Wan Kenobi to learn the ways of the Force in the original Star Wars.
- Frodo encounters a powerful mentor in the form of Gandalf the Wizard in Lord of the Rings.
- Morpheus instructs Neo how to operate within the Matrix.
- And Harry Potter can always count on guiding wisdom from Albus Dumbledore, the headmaster at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Of course, you don’t need to be a Jedi Master or a powerful wizard to be a mentor in the business world. In fact, we are all mentors to different people at different times. Every one of us helps, advises and guides others.
Who do you help guide along their adventure? Who do you look to for guidance along your journey?
The Mentor is a vital role in business and in life. Honor your mentors. Be grateful for their presence in your life.
Simultaneously, strive to be the best mentor you can be to those you have the privilege to serve.
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