Mentoring is one of the most powerful ways to foster professional growth, offering guidance, support and invaluable insights that can shape and boost a career. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting out, mentoring provides mentees with direct access to experience, while mentors gain fresh perspectives and the satisfaction of giving back. 

Yet, while 76% of people understand the value of having a mentor, only 37% have one, according to research from Olivet Nazarene University in Illinois. So, why do so many people hesitate to sign up for mentoring programmes? 

A common issue is the futile pursuit of the “perfect” mentor, someone who fits an ideal mould, according to Dr Ruth Gotian, co-author of The Financial Times Guide to Mentoring. 

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“Perfect mentors don’t exist,” warns Ruth. “But the search for one often leads to missed opportunities to learn from a range of perspectives.”