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Mentoring provides staff with the opportunity to develop supportive learning relationships which serve to create and maintain an active communication network for the exchange of information, ideas, and expertise.  -Jennifer Lee Peterson
 
Mentoring Definitions collected by Andrew Gibbons
http://www.coachingnetwork.org.uk/ResourceCentre/Articles/ViewArticle.asp?artId=54

A number of new definitions are emerging as mentoring relationships are redefined to adapt to our changing environments and needs:

Formal mentoring- when the relationship is facilitated and supported by the organization.

Informal mentoring- when the relationship is created spontaneously and maintained informally by the pair.

Semi-formal, semi-structured, or facilitated mentoring- all recognize that mentoring is occurring within the work place, but in designing a mentoring program, the organization allows for flexibility, while providing structured tools and support to show the organization's commitment.

Group mentoring- when more than a pair of individuals come together, with one or more in the group providing support or direction to the others.

Co-mentoring- when members recognize the shared benefit for all in the relationship.

e-mentoring- when the relationship occurs primarily or exclusively online.