When we consider typical features of archetypal mentor relationships, the following themes appear consistently. In stories, a mentor character often assists with a distinct adventure or quest, during which the person they are mentoring must triumph by overcoming challenges and changing for the better. Since the idea of a journey easily translates to the on-going experience of life, where each of us is challenged by circumstances and events, the idea of a mentor playing a productive role for part of that journey is useful.

A mentor’s function during your journey is to provide appropriate forms of assistance to help you succeed. As a mentor, you can be more effective when the person you mentor wants something, perhaps to reach a destination or achieve something that is valuable to them. Without this sense of direction, the quality of your conversations may range from interesting discussion to aimless chatter, both of which are unfulfilling for both parties in the long run. Everyone’s journey is individual and the mentor works best when they stay aware of the unique nature of someone’s quest.