Precautionary tales.

Like anything else in business, there are things to be wary of if you're thinking of starting your own mentor-ship program.

* "Firm leaders and staff need to realize the long-term value to all participants of the time invested in a mentor program," says Donna Moon, human resources manager at GBP&B. "This is time that would otherwise be used for billable or other productive output.",

* "If you build too much structure into the program it can become so rigid and inflexible that it seems forced," says Nicholson. "The best mentorship programs are loosely structured, focusing on offering appropriate opportunities to develop the skills, network and knowledge to be successful."

* "When you offer mentoring on a formal basis, it's important to introduce training regarding key responsibilities that the mentees and mentors...