“So what is mentoring?” I am often asked.

I guess that many see this as one of those nebulous phrases, which mean most things to most people. For me, it is very simple – helping others to take a few steps towards their vision, commercial or otherwise.

In the past week or so, I have seen two very different aspects of this work. For example, I read an interview in the Hebrew press with Mark Ronson, music producer and key figure in the life of the late Amy Winehouse.

Ronson was asked how he deals with the ego of the music greats. He observed how Winehouse, Allen or Adele are typical of people who are able to express what many of us mortals cannot. His job is to understand those feelings and then bring them out, so that they are heard in the best way possible.

Is that just producing or something more complex?

Earlier this week, I observed a discussion on Sky TV, featuring a former gang member and now mentor to youth in deprived areas around the UK. I forget his name, but the comments were fascinating. He challenged the government to provide resources that will help misdirected teenagers find a direction for their problems and pain.

The mentor went on to describe children who cannot recall having a table in their house in order to eat a family meal together. He mentioned the fact too many role models for teenagers – sporting heros or politicians – have become embroiled in drugs or bribery. From that point, it is a short step in the chain of logic, which then allows people of all ages to break the law and to riot.

My mentoring is usually less intensive. Often based in Israel, I tend to deal with commercial or financial issues, although by definition they often impinge directly on private matters within the home. But all of my customers are trying to break free from their current set up and move ahead.

Showing them that vision and helping them move on is the art of mentoring, often combined with many other skills.