In the TED model, as well as the R2C model, this end of the vertical axis was named Coach (Emerald, 2016; Diaz et. al, 2016). I originally renamed it Mentor, primarily because the word Coach has an emotionally charged context for many.
As I renamed this role to Mentor, I began to ponder what this truly meant, discovering that the term Explorer might be a better label. An Explorer is an individual who is pulled by fascination and curiosity to the unknown. They approach a moment of fear as if it is an adventure to overcome, grow, and learn from. Explorers eventually become Mentors, as I know very few Explorers who don’t love to share what they have discovered. An Explorer is viewed as experiencing, or having experienced, the same things as the individual they are guiding and supporting.
Remember that in moments of extreme scarcity, the Authentic Hero is experiencing fear, just like all the other roles that appear in scarcity. In terms of being in an abundant mindset, the Mentor has the capacity to recognize that they are also an Explorer. Like a Hero, the Explorer is not courageous because they acted the part, they are cultivating courage because they approach the moment with the belief that each experience is an adventure, a rollercoaster, and a moment to grow and learn from.
An Explorer eventually becomes a Mentor who is sharing the wealth of knowledge they have discovered in their adventures with the other three roles. The Mentor does not seek support from the other roles; their intention is to support growth for the other roles while reaping the reward of sharing their experience in the world. In other words, they do not fret if a Creator or Challenger accepts or rejects their offering of support; it is the act of offering that is its own reward to an Explorer/Mentor.
