The origin of the word "mentor" comes from Homer's epic Odyssey, the ancient Greek tale of the adventures of Odysseys (Ulysses). In the story, Mentor was a friend of Odysseys, and was tasked with protecting Odysseys' son Telemachus while Odysseys was off fighting the Trojan War. In fact, Mentor was a relatively minor character in the story and more or less failed at the task. Contemporary interpretations of The Odyssey give greater credit to the meaning of the word "mentor" to the goddess Athena, who appeared before Telemachus disguised as Mentor. She was the one that gave guidance and advice to the young man as he set off on his own adventures to find his father. Athena, the goddess of war and wisdom, was the true mentor to Telemachus.
A few months ago I reconnected with a former boss that I hadn't spoken with in over 30 years. Well into his 90's, he's still pretty sharp. I hope I'm as clear minded when I hit 90. A mutual colleague connected us, and so I wrote to him to let him know how much of an impact he had on my career. He was kind enough to call and let me know he'd received the letter. During our conversation he admitted to me that he had to ask our colleague who I was before he called. It wasn't a function of age or memory; my tenure under his leadership was short, so it was easy to cut him some slack. After awhile we were telling each other old stories.
A popular axiom in self improvement circles is that you need 5 people in your life to be successful and happy. Variations include friend, coach, cheerleader, expert, promoter, soul sister, Zen master, and so forth. One thing these lists all have in common is a mentor. More than anyone else, a mentor is the person that provides you with the guidance and clarity you need as you move through your career.
Some people are natural mentors, simply because of their influence. They may not take on the role with any sense of obligation, but they are well aware of their impact on others. So it was with my former boss. I worked for him for only three years, and yet in that time I learned a great deal about the business. More importantly, I learned by observation the qualities that make a good leader. Since that time I've had other mentors in my career, and I have treasured the things that I have learned from them.
Some people take on the mantle of mentorship with intent. I've put myself in that category, because I've experienced the impact that mentorship can have on someone's character, and I think it's important to pass that on. And now, after so many years, I can see the dividend of mentorship being passed on from my mentee to the next generation. It's an extraordinarily fulfilling experience.
"For you, I have some good advice, if only you will accept it.
Fit out a ship with twenty oars, the best in sight,
sail in quest of news of your long-lost father.
Someone may tell you something
or you may catch a rumor straight from Zeus,
rumor that carries news to men like nothing else.
First go down to Pylos, question old King Nestor,
then cross over to Sparta, to red-haired Menelaus,
of all the bronze-armored Achaeans the last man back.
Now, if you hear your father’s alive and heading home,
hard-pressed as you are, brave out one more year.
If you hear he’s dead, no longer among the living,
then back you come to the native land you love."
Athena guided Telemachus in his adventures to become a hero equal to his father Odysseys. We should do no less.