In my profession a mentor relationship is a formal one. So I've been wondering what I would call someone who has shaped my career, and yet we never had a "true" mentor relationship. Is there a word or phrase for that?

Role model? Influence?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: arnie,

Probation officer?

I am not sure, arnie. The word I'd like would be stronger than role model or influence, I think (and certainly probation officer .) Perhaps there isn't one. I know that z and goofy always say there doesn't have to be one word to describe something. Still, I think a word for that kind of person would be nice.

I have a person in mind. When I changed foci in my profession, it was a scary time for me. I met a physician at another organization who really influenced (maybe that's it, arnie!) me, and I have to give him a lot of credit for shaping me as I developed in this new role. Yet, we clearly didn't have a formal mentorship relationship.

Perhaps it's influence, though.

guru?

Psychopomp? (See Chiron)

I consider the term "mentor" to mean a trusted friend and adviser. The relationship does not need to be formalised but it is usually better for both mentor and protégé if some kind of formalised agreement or contract exists. In my management manual I do have exemplar mentoring agreements - and some of my learners even use them

Oh, and by the way, I hate, loath and despise the (unnecessary) created term "mentee" (sounds like some kind of amphibian to me). Protégé is so much nicer a term.

quote:

Oh, and by the way, I hate, loath and despise the (unnecessary) created term "mentee" (sounds like some kind of amphibian to me). Protégé is so much nicer a term.

Nah, it's the Indian word for setting your teacher ablaze.

quote:

"mentee"

OED " a group of manatees."

quote:

Knowlage is power

Don't you mean that "No liege is poorer"?

quote:

Oh, and by the way, I hate, loath and despise the (unnecessary) created term "mentee" (sounds like some kind of amphibian to me). Protégé is so much nicer a term.

I hear you and agree. In my line of work, we use the word "preceptor," and then the protégé is called "preceptee." Now, if you loathe "mentee," you have to detest "preceptee." I've tried to change it to protégé, but it really isn't that. So what is it? I have just given up and have accepted "preceptee," with much reluctance.

quote:

Now, if you loathe "mentee," you have to detest "preceptee." I've tried to change it to protégé, but it really isn't that. So what is it? I have just given up and have accepted "preceptee," with much reluctance.

In UK English the term "preceptor" is rarely used outside the rarefied atmosphere of Oxbridge, where it means a university teacher. Those subject to his or her teaching would be students or undergraduates I would suggest.

That's interesting, Richard, because here it is used for new nurse experiences with more seasoned nurses. I think it's used in other professions, as well.