Benefits of Mentoring

For the Protégé

• Constructive criticism and informal feedback facilitates development of increased competencies and stronger interpersonal skills.
• Enhances confidence and offers challenges to set higher goals, take risks and achieve at higher levels.
• Knowledge of formal and informal rules and expectations for advancement.
• Knowledge of university procedures.
• Advice on scholarship and teaching.
• Individual recognition and encouragement.
• Psychosocial support.
• Advice on balancing range of academic, professional and administrative responsibilities.

For the Mentor

• Development of interpersonal and communication skills.
• Fosters leadership and teaching skills.
• Satisfaction in assisting in colleague development.
• Demonstrates professionalism and commitment.
• Development of a network of colleagues.

For Departments/Institutions

• More positive organizational climate and clearer understanding of professional responsibilities and expectations.
• Reduced attrition rates.
• Promotes culture of cooperation and cohesion.
• Increased productivity and satisfaction of protégé.
• Research atmospheres in which mentoring is present are less likely to have scientific misconduct.
• Important tool for building diversity.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give.
~ Winston Churchill

Page contents adapted from the University of Toronto Faculty Mentorship Program.