Mentoring - What is Mentoring?

"Mentoring is to support and encourage people to manage their own learning in order that they may maximise their potential, develop their skills, improve their performance and become the person they want to be.

Eric Parsloe, The Oxford School of Coaching & Mentoring

SMB’s principals, Stewart and Sharon Rickersey have been providing mentoring services to many people during their careers. More recently, SMB has been retained by clients to provide specific support to individuals ranging from marketing executives to managing directors in both small and medium sized businesses.

Mentoring is a powerful business and personal development tool. It’s an effective way of helping businesses and individuals to progress and is becoming increasing popular as its potential is realised. Mentoring is a partnership between two people (now referred to as mentor and mentee) normally working in a similar field or sharing similar experiences. It is a positive relationship based upon mutual trust and respect.

Mentors ask questions and challenge existing thinking, while providing guidance and encouragement. Mentoring allows the mentee to explore new ideas in confidence. It is a chance to look closely at issues and opportunities. Mentoring is about becoming more self aware and taking responsibility, rather than leaving it to chance.

Discussions between those involved are confidential. The person being mentored must take the initative and do the leg work in the relationship. The final responsibility for actions taken, as a result of mentoring, lies with that person.

To discuss how a mentor programme can help your business, call Stewart Rickersey on 01623 519868 to arrange a no obligation meeting or e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it