Last month, my column addressed the importance of mentors and offered suggestions for finding one. This month, the focus shifts to being a mentor, a role that can be challenging yet rewarding.

Mentoring isn't always an overt act. Sometimes it just happens. When a less-experienced person exhibits the positive attitudes or behaviors of a more experienced one, that's mentoring at work.

Most mentoring relationships develop over time. However, with the stressful demands in health care, sometimes the relationships that can be cultivated need a little nudge.

"The mentoring relationship can be very inconsistent," said Welyne Thomas, president of Development Strategies, an Atlanta-based coaching and training firm. "It's an ongoing process that comes and goes because of daily stress, job demands and other outside factors."

Making a connection between and mentor and mentee can take time. Both must be willing to be open and receptive to each other, to share ideas and to be willing to learn.

"The mentor must be available to the mentee, being willing to share time and expertise. A good mentor will know when to be supportive and when to be frank," Thomas said. "Sometimes it's just enough to be a good listener, and at other times, the mentor may need to give tough messages."

As a possible mentor, be alert for opportunities to encourage colleagues you feel have extraordinary potential. If you're approached for advice, recognize that the person respects your opinion and may be seeking a mentoring relationship. If you're asked for encouragement, be willing to give it.

"Being a mentor is like being a friend or like being the type of mother you wish you had," she said. "It's a special relationship that can be very rewarding."

Ongoing dialogue between mentor and mentee is part of the process, but the relationship goes beyond talking.

"The way you do your work and live your life can put you into a mentoring situation without your even knowing it," Thomas said. "While you may not have a one-on-one mentoring relationship, as a manager or supervisor, you influence those around you who are less experienced. Knowing this, be intentional in what you do and how you conduct yourself.

"Do your job the best way you can and be open to help colleagues. You never know when someone sees you as a role model. If you're open to sharing your life experiences, it's amazing the influence you can have."