Question

Explain how the term mentor has changed meaning over time. Do you think the more traditional meaning or more recent meaning is a more fitting term? Why?

Answer 1

The term mentor has changed meaning over time as in the past it meant the counseling a young upstart by an older executive. The senior leader advising the junior employee on how to navigate his work in his career, and what he needs to do to get ahead. Thus according to the old notion mentoring is a long-term relationship. In the modern times since the world moves fast and people change jobs and careers very often, a long-term advising relationship of a mentor may be unrealistic and unnecessary. Mentoring is useful to both parties involved i.e. the junior and the senior and it is not necessary that an older person is always required for mentoring. The new concept of mentoring is more relevant as people are changing jobs and a long-term relationship between a senior colleague and a junior colleague for guidance is no longer possible.