"The value of having a good mentor is obvious and is also backed by rigorous research. They guide us, open doors, and help us advance our lives and careers in ways we could not do on our own. What is often overlooked is that the benefits of giving back, as good mentors do, lead to a prodigious list of personal gains: fulfillment, satisfaction with life, a sense of productivity, purpose, and value, a longer, healthier (physical and emotional) life, and symbolic immortality through legacy. Most people think of mentoring as hierarchical. Mentees look for a mentor, a few rungs up the ladder, to open doors, guide, and provide opportunities for them. Traditional mentorship is simple and often very effective. But this is NOT the only form of mentorship. There is also lateral mentoring which solves the problems so many of us face: feeling disconnected, a lack of direction, worries about solving work problems, and feeling intimidated by those above us at work. When we engage in lateral mentoring, we can let our guard down. A friend or colleague is someone you can be vulnerable with, whether they work in your department, another department, or are a friend outside of work. We feel comfortable expressing vulnerability with those we know, like, and trust. When we ask for help, those we trust will usually leap into action to help. The goal of this book is to inspire individuals to engage in mentoring naturally, whether hierarchically or laterally, in work settings and in their home life. Mentoring not only helps foster passions, but it helps with work life balance, and brings a feeling of community and fulfillment"-- Provided by publisher.