Mentoring is another important method for training

managers and professionals. Many of the subtle skills needed to

advance to the highest-level positions are learned through
mentoring relationships. Aside from providing viable role
models, candid feedback, instruction, insights into the
companys politics, advice, and other support, mentors also
serve in other valuable capacities. Mentors are frequently in the
position of sponsors who help their protgs gain visibility and
responsibility. ne of the barriers to the advancement of
women to the top positions of their companies has probably
been the lack of female mentors in male-dominated career
fields. Although men are sometimes the mentors of women and
women the mentors of men, mi!ed genders introduce special
comple!ities such as concerns about how others may perceive
the relationship.

An e!ample of problems of perceptions and
their heavy toll on those involved is provided by the case of
Mary "unningham, a young #arvard M$A, and $ill Agee, the
"% at the former $endi! "orporation, now part of
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