Perspective is worth 80 IQ points

is a quote attributed to esteemed computer scientist Alan Kay. Perspective is one of the largest benefits an entrepreneur receives from mentoring. Team mentoring, which is the standard practice of the MIT Venture Mentoring Service, is especially effective in providing a different perspective from each member of the mentoring team, which can include two or more mentors.

In addition to providing varying viewpoints, types of expertise and experiences to the entrepreneurs, the mentoring team learns from each other, and thus improves their mentoring. Having mentored at a member of a team at MIT VMS and as an individual elsewhere I would say the team approach is at least an order of magnitude more effective, and more fun for both mentors and entrepreneurs.

Author: Mentorphile

Mentor, coach, and advisor to entrepreneurs, small businesses, and non-profit organizations. General manager with significant experience in both for-profit and non-profit organizations. Focus on media and information. On founding team of four venture-backed companies. Currently Chairman of Popsleuth, Inc., maker of the Endorfyn app for keeping fans updated on new stuff from their favorite artists. View all posts by Mentorphile