Why Mentorship Works | National Mentorship Movement

What mentorship is

A balanced relationship, not a one-way lecture.

Mentorship is a partnership and relationship between two (or more) people to achieve mutually agreed upon goals through the reciprocal sharing of knowledge, experience and wisdom.

The word comes from Homer's Odyssey, where Mentor was entrusted to guide Odysseus's son. The traditional picture is a wise elder advising someone younger. We see it differently: a relationship built on trust, respect and an equitable balance of power, where both the mentor and the mentee are open to learning from each other. That is the Power of Two.

The forms it takes

Mentorship versus coaching, and the models we run.

Coaching is usually structured around specific skills or performance over a set period, and is often paid. Mentorship is broader: a relationship-based exchange of experience and perspective, delivered at NMM by volunteers. It also takes many shapes - we design the right one for each situation.

One-on-one - the classic pairing of a mentor and a mentee
Group - one mentor supporting several mentees together
Peer - people at a similar stage supporting each other
Reverse - a more junior person mentoring a senior one
Compressed - a short, intensive programme
Extended - a longer relationship over many months

The evidence

The research is unambiguous.

Across youth development, entrepreneurship and education, in different countries and decades, the same pattern holds. Here is a sample of what the studies show.

For young people and careers

76%

of young people with a mentor aspire to go to and graduate from college, versus 56% without one

51%

hold a leadership position in a club, team or council, versus 22% without a mentor

returned in benefits for every $1 invested in quality youth mentoring

Source: MENTOR (The National Mentoring Partnership), United States

For entrepreneurs and small business

70%

of mentored small businesses survive five years or more - double the rate of those without a mentor

83%

revenue growth for mentored businesses, versus 16% for those without (MicroMentor)

more likely to become a top performer - mentored tech founders in New York (Endeavor)

Source: UK Department for Business / Federation of Small Businesses; MicroMentor; Endeavor Insight

Proven in South Africa

1,200+

businesses assisted through ORTJet, with 70% reporting significant or massive impact

59%

of mentored boys get better grades (The Character Company, South Africa)

more likely to succeed when both mentor and mentee are trained

Source: ORTJet (co-founded by NMM's Paul Bacher); The Character Company; St-Jean & Mitrano-Meda

One more, on the gap: when Sage surveyed 11,000 small and medium businesses across 17 countries, 93% said a mentor could help them succeed - but only 28% actually had one. Closing that gap is the whole point of the movement.

Two winners, not one

What mentees and mentors gain.

For mentees

Support and encouragement when you need it
Honest advice from someone who has been there
More confidence and clearer goals
A wider view of how the world actually works
A thinking partner and a safe space to test ideas
Someone who believes in you, and will still push you

For mentors

Give back and add meaning to your work
Empower someone to a better chance in life
Share your experience where it counts
Sharpen your leadership and active listening
Gain fresh perspective on a changing world

Common questions

Mentorship, answered.

What is mentorship?

Mentorship is a partnership and relationship between two or more people to achieve mutually agreed goals through the reciprocal sharing of knowledge, experience and wisdom. At its best it is a balanced relationship built on trust and respect, where both people learn.

What is the difference between mentorship and coaching?

Coaching tends to be structured around specific skills or performance over a set period, and is often paid. Mentorship is a broader, relationship-based exchange of experience and perspective, and at the National Mentorship Movement it is delivered by volunteers.

What is reverse mentoring?

Reverse mentoring pairs a more junior person as the mentor of a more senior one, often to share new perspectives, technology or culture. It is one of several models we run, alongside one-on-one, group, peer, compressed and extended mentoring.

How long does a mentoring relationship last?

It varies. A typical cycle covers getting to know one another and building trust, setting goals, doing the work, and closing well. Some run a few months, others much longer.

Does mentorship actually work?

The evidence is consistent across decades and countries: people with mentors are about twice as likely to reach their goals, and mentored small businesses are markedly more likely to survive and grow.

Is mentorship at NMM free?

Yes, for mentees in our general programme. We keep it free for those who need it most, funded through partnerships, programme fees and donations.

Why mentorship works.