Deconstructing the mantra of mentorship: in conversation with Phyllis Noerager Stern

While much has been written about the theoretical aspects of mentoring, the actual strategies, processes, and scope of mentoring are poorly described. Much of the literature is based on a formal model of "orchestrated" mentoring, rather that the spontaneous and very effective mentoring style of academic leaders. Phyllis Noerager Stern, a mentor par excellence, describes the scope and type of established mentoring relationships. These discussions show that our present conceptualization of mentoring should be expanded to include three types of relationships: direct (traditional) mentoring, collegial mentoring, and indirect mentoring. These mentoring relationships may extend internationally and have made a profound impact on a large number of students and emerging academics. They are capable of changing over time from one type to another. In this interview, Phyllis Stern describes the positives and the negatives, and the processes, pitfalls, and outcomes of these various mentoring relationships.