1) Mentoring

"A mentor is a more experienced individual willing to share knowledge with someone less experienced in a relationship of mutual trust.” - Professor David Clutterbuck

Last updated 26 February 2026

An illustration of a man with yellow tie standing on a higher ground, reaching out his hand to help another man

Successful mentoring is built on a trusting relationship between mentor and mentee. This foundation allows mentors to offer support, challenge, guidance, and empowerment as mentees pursue their personal and professional development.

The mentoring process provides a safe and nurturing environment for mentees to benefit from their mentor's experience and knowledge. This enables mentees to reflect on their own developmental and career paths, learning to navigate effectively in their career environment.

The 5 Stages of Mentoring Relationship

Understanding these stages can help both mentors and mentees navigate their journey more effectively:

Building Rapport: Getting to know each other and agreeing on the basis for working together
Setting Direction: Identifying the issues and priorities to be discussed and worked on
Making Progress: Facilitating mutual learning and development
Winding Down: Reviewing what has been achieved
Moving On: Transiting to the next phase of the relationship

Download the mentoring guide for supervisors for an expanded guide on these 5 stages

**Adapted from David Clutterbuck 5 stages of mentoring relationship

Learning Resources

Becoming an effective mentor is a journey of continuous learning and growth. Below are some available learning resources that you may consider. Whether you are new to mentoring or looking to enhance your existing skills, you will find valuable insights to support your growth as a mentor.

1) CSC Course

RISE Together: Mastering the Foundations of Mentoring (CRRTMFM) (DD – Director level)

2) Mentoring Guide for Supervisors

Download the mentoring guide for supervisors

3) LEARN Courses

Visit the LEARN Platform to access these resources (www.learn.gov.sg - login required)

	Title	Course Provider	Duration
1	Mentor for impact: Start mentoring	Udemy	1h 13min
2	Be a great mentor: A practical guide to mentorship	Udemy	1h 5min
3	Becoming an inspiring mentor	LinkedIn Learning	47 min
4	Being a good mentor	LinkedIn Learning	1hr
5	How to be a good mentee and mentor	LinkedIn Learning	27 min

4) Articles

Select the respective links to access articles:

No.	Title	Author/Source	Link
1	What is active listening	Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL)	Here
2	Coaching and mentoring as conversations about context	David Clutterbuck	Here
3	What to do when a coaching client has strong beliefs that limit their thinking	Clutterbuck Coaching & Mentoring International (CCMI)	Here
4	Establishing and maintaining mentoring relationships: An overview of mentor and mentee competencies	David Clutterbuck	Here
5	The best mentors think like Michelangelo	Harvard Business Review	Here
6	Seven layers of mentoring	Clutterbuck Coaching & Mentoring International (CCMI)	Here
7	Five questions every mentor must ask	Harvard Business Review	Here
8	Being experienced doesn’t automatically make you a great mentor	Harvard Business Review	Here
9	When and how to give advice	Clutterbuck Coaching & Mentoring International (CCMI)	Here
10	Mentors, stop saying “I Understand”	Harvard Business Review	Here
11	The importance of setting boundaries with your mentor	Centre for Creative Leadership (CCL)	Here

5) Videos/Podcast

Select the respective links to access videos/podcasts:

No.

Title

Topic

Speaker/ Source

Link

Public sector transformation in challenging times

Mentoring

*Focus is on partnership & learning (both which are critical to mentoring)

Peter Hawkins

Here

WorkLife with Adam Grant: The three big myths of mentoring

Mentoring

Adam Grant and various speakers

Available on Apple and Spotify Podcasts

Transcript: Here

List of resources provided in courtesy of CSC-ILOD.

How Can I Seek Mentoring?

Even as a leader, seeking guidance remains a powerful tool for personal and professional development. Whether you are aiming to hone new skills, navigate complex career/organisation decisions, or gain fresh insights from fellow experienced leaders, embracing mentorship can propel your leadership journey forward.

1) Approach HR for Mentoring Opportunities

Your organisation's HR is an excellent starting point. They often have structured mentoring programmes or can connect you with suitable mentors within the organisation. Reach out to HR to inquire about available mentoring initiatives and how you can participate.

2) Explore the LX Directory

The Leadership Experience (LX) Directory is a valuable resource for informal mentoring support where leaders across the Service have made themselves available for conversations. You may refer to the LX Directory here.