6 Types of Mentoring Every Professional Should Know

As any successful professional will tell you, having a mentor is key to achieving your goals and advancing your career. Mentoring is a powerful tool that can provide guidance, support, and accountability as you navigate your way through your career. However, not all mentoring relationships are the same. In fact, there are six distinct types of mentoring that can be used to support your development as a professional.

In this post, we’ll explore each type and provide insights into how they can be used to help you achieve your goals.

• Traditional Mentoring
  The most common type of mentoring is traditional mentoring. This type of mentoring involves a formal relationship between a mentor and mentee, usually with a specific goal or objective in mind. Typically, the mentor is an experienced professional in the same field as the mentee, and they provide guidance, advice, and support to help the mentee achieve their objectives.
  
  
• Reverse Mentoring
  Reverse mentoring is a relatively new concept that has emerged in the last decade. It involves a junior member of staff mentoring a senior member of staff. The aim is to provide a fresh perspective, give insights into new trends, and share knowledge that the senior member may not have encountered before. Reverse mentoring can be a powerful way to break down hierarchical barriers and encourage a culture of learning and development across the organization.
  
  
• Group Mentoring
  Group mentoring involves a mentor working with a small group of individuals. Typically, this takes the form of a group coaching session where the mentor will provide insights and guidance to the group as a whole. Participants can benefit from the collective knowledge and experience of the group and the facilitation skills of the mentor.
  
  
• Online Mentoring
  As technology advances, online mentoring is becoming increasingly popular. This type of mentoring takes place online, using tools such as video conferencing, email, or instant messaging. Online mentoring provides increased flexibility for participants and can be useful for remote workers, those with family commitments, or those who find it difficult to attend face-to-face meetings.
  
  
• Peer Mentoring
  Peer mentoring involves a relationship between two individuals who are at a similar level in their careers. Typically, peer mentoring involves an informal agreement between the two individuals to support each other’s professional development. Participants can benefit from having someone to bounce ideas off, receive feedback, and challenge their thinking in a safe and supportive environment.
  
  
• Situational Mentoring
  Situational mentoring involves a mentor providing support to a mentee in a specific situation. For example, a mentor may be called upon to support a mentee when they are going through a challenging project, a difficult meeting or presentation, or receiving negative feedback. Situational mentoring can be a powerful way to provide targeted support when it is most needed.