A mentor assists a mentee with learning something that otherwise would be acquired less thoroughly, more slowly or not at all. The mentor role should not be confused with the advocate or coach role.
Advocate
Represents the mentee’s point of view
Serves as a mediator on behalf of the mentee
Acts as a sponsor to open doors
Focuses on the internal political system
Mentor
Helps the mentee to develop "SELF" areas
Develops trusting, confidential, and mutually beneficial relationships
Listens and provides encouragement, feedback and new insights
Assists mentee with personal and professional growth and improving contributions
Coach
Brings a high level of targeted expertise
Determines development areas using an assessment process (e.g. 360˚ feedback)
Provides a third-party perspective from outside the organisation