The prophet's handbook

because the learner was gifted and/or highly called and so thus needed specialized training to succeed in that call. Mentorship assignments were given to knowledgeable representatives of the professional class or field to which the learner was called and were identified by their skill and proficiency in their occupation. Not just anyone would dare to undertake the task of hanging out his or her shingle a as mentor and enrolling students. Mentors were highly respected as experienced and learned professionals in their fields—experts. Mentors differed vastly from typical educators. What mentors gave their students far exceeded mere academic knowledge. They distinguished themselves by the performance edge, skill advantage, and professional head start they gave their learners. The very things that qualified them as mentors are what benefited their students the most. As seasoned and successful professionals, mentors are identified as being well-informed, well-trained, and thoroughly experienced in their fields. Their well-documented skills and overall knowledge far surpass the majority of their contemporaries’ because of a proven track record. Mentors’ expertise makes them able teachers and trainers because they effectively and profitably demonstrate their field of knowledge through competent instruction in the theoretical and technical aspects of their industry. Mentors foster their learners’ development with instruction and activities that go to the heart and soul of their students’ potential and performance, as well as that of the profession to which they are called. Mentors inform, transform, and enable their learners to conform to the conduct, attitudes, and behaviors of their fields. Besides academic knowledge, training, and skill development, mentors counsel, guide, and coach. They provide as much affective readiness to improve their mentorees’ emotional intelligence as they do to sharpen their cognition for God’s service. Aims of Mentorship With any nurturing endeavor, there are concrete aims that regulate its activities and verify its success. Mentorship is no different. Mentors initiate their services with specific ends in mind. Serious mentors are mindful of not allowing the agreement to become merely a social or servile arrangement. The following are some of the aims of a productive mentorship. Quick Study Chart Aims of a Productive Mentorship