What term describes an experienced, productive senior employee who helps develop a less experienced employee?

A mentor is an experienced and knowledgeable individual who provides guidance, support, and advice to a less experienced person, often referred to as a mentee. The role of a mentor goes beyond just training; it includes fostering personal and professional growth by sharing insights, experiences, and wisdom. This relationship is typically long-term and may span across various aspects of the mentee's career development, such as skill enhancement, networking opportunities, and navigating workplace dynamics.

In contrast, while a trainer focuses primarily on imparting specific skills or knowledge through structured programs, a mentor takes a more holistic approach to an individual's career journey. An advisor usually provides guidance based on expertise in a particular field but may not engage in ongoing personal development as a mentor does. Coaching can involve skill development and performance enhancement in a more targeted way but does not usually include the broader developmental relationship characteristic of mentoring. Thus, the term "mentor" is most accurate in describing a senior employee who plays a significant role in developing a junior employee.