WomenCo.

I don't know if obligation is the right word.  I want to mentor other females in whichever way I can.  Empowering other women makes all of us stronger.  It is a desire in me rather than an obligation.

I agree with Brandylynn, not sure if obligation is the correct word.  I try not to involve myself too much with other people's issues, but if I sense they could use some help I'll put my two cents in.  Some women don't want a mentor nor to be mentored.  If someone expresses an interest in something in my life, for instance, I do mentor women all over the country about the endometriosis I have, I give it my all.  In those cases for the most part they are looking for that person to look up to or who has gone through the experience and can help.

I love this topic, and everyone's answers are so uplifting!  Running a women's center at a university easily lends itself to mentoring young up and coming professionals.  I am truly blessed to have a job as a mentor, but it is an immense amount of pressure to be my best for these young women, and men.

I tend to see my female peers as peers these days rather than mentors.   But I do have a tendency to expect a camaraderie to exist on the simple basis that we're both women.  Sometimes I'm gratified, other times, not so much.

I tend to mentor anyone who is significantly younger or less experienced than I am who gives off a "vibe" that they will not be irritated at me being so presumptuous as to "mentor" them.  Male or female, no matter.

One wonderful thing that happened to me was that I helped a secretary re-work her resume.  It took a long time.  She was scattered and she had a lot of half-truths that we needed to sort out in order to re-work it.

Turns out she used to be a  professional TV makeup artist.  To thank me for the work on her resume, she gave me a makeover and gave me some super tips for looking younger with the a couple of incredible products.  

Worked out well for both of us. 

McKaren says ...

I don't feel obligated to mentor -- I do feel compelled to give back when I can.  Given that in a business sense it is still very much a "man's" world (and I say that without rancor) I'm more inclined to give a leg-up, kick a door in, bend the rules, or fast-track any woman I encounter who would like my help.  I have to say though, anyone (guy or gal) who asks, generally will, get my full attention.  Information is power, and should be shared.  What I know -- you can know, just ask me.

I like that distinction: obligated vs compelled.  What a wonderful outlook!

Yes I do.

For what it is worth to others, if my experiences and insight can assist them, it is my obligation to do so. Perhaps that is idealistic but we need some more idealists to lift the burden of self-doubt and ignorance and bring hope to those that think they are hopeless. Most negative emotions and events are short lived and we all need to be reminded of that from time to time when we are in the midst of them. I believe that the strong take care of the weak and the weak learn to be strong because of it. - Book of Annette Chapter 3 Verse 1

It really depends upon the person. I will not, under any circumstances, ingratiate myself upon another - it's rude. However, if someone were to come to me and ask for assistance, I'd gladly give it if I am able to do so. I've been in situations where my superior asked me to train people and some of those people acted offended. Others simply did not want to listen. That being said, when you get a person that was brought up with manners and a little class and you can see that thirst to learn - it is very rewarding to mentor that person.

Think of it this way:

Are you the type of person that will try to stop the train wreck or will you wait to see what happens and then try to assist or will you just leave because there is nothing that can be done?

Of course, this question is not as drastic but mentoring can change lives. And can do it when you least expect it.

            I feel this way, It took someone to mentor you at one time or another!! I don't see anything wrong with helping someone else up the ladder just like someone helped you up. Remember, what goes around , comes around.

seabrownthree says ...

That's the power that women should have.  Instead of dog-eat-dog, we can approach it from the idea of helping the next one up.  When women aren't true to that, they're far more vicious than the most vicious Hollywood shark.

Yea! Right Arm sister!

Artisst says ...

obligated, NO -- inspired usually...and being natural leader it comes easy for me...but I dont provide unless requested...

I love this Angela, and I have to say that I give a ton to women in mentoring, feedback, suggestions etc. What is interesting though is that women seem to forget that I am also a business woman. If I give it all away, I have no business! And as soon as I say: "no you need to pay" they often, not all, but many go away. We also need to be able to respect our value. We need to realize that $0.93 of every dollar is still spent at a male owned business. We need to mentor each other to support each other as business women!