As a mentor, I seek to make a contribution to the development of the whole person. This requires some understanding of the current state of your intellectual and professional development and of your dreams for the future. Each person I mentor is different and different goals require different skills, but I will aspire to help you develop certain universal skills—recognizing opportunities, asking questions, acknowledging shortcomings, and communicating effectively. I will encourage you to be a good follower, but to have the courage to lead when leadership is eeded—regardless of your position in any existing power structure.