Mentoring styles

I've done some thinking recently on the different styles of mentoring that are coming out of the accounts of my participants. I think that probably they are adapting their styles according to the situation, but as time goes on I expect that there will be some consistency of style showing through. This list is just an initial run through, considering possible metaphors that could guide the thinking.

"Probing parent"

"Team and menu approach" or "chef" (try it and see)

"Crusader"

"nurturing parent" or "gardener"

"personal trainer" or "coach"

"Role model"

"Expedition leader"

"Taxi-driver" (service on demand only)

"Pedagogue"

"Advocate, mediator"

"Lone ranger" (independent, in control but rather exposed personally)

"Goosegrass" (stick to my side)