There are some common challenges to be aware of in every mentoring relationship. The first is that any relationship may need to be terminated due to factors beyond the control of the mentor or mentee, such as moving or being relocated, change of job, or a change in availability. If this, or any other issues or conflicts occur, please inform WiE.
Challenges for Mentees
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Relying on the mentor to develop your career for you – a mentor is there to ask the right questions and guide the mentee to appropriate resources, but only the mentee can shape their own career.
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Expecting the mentor to give you all the answers – the mentor can show the mentee where to look, but answers come from the mentee, not the mentor.
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Asking your mentor to do your work for you – the mentor is a support for the mentee, not a crutch.
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Expecting immediate results – self-improvement and career development take time. Even with a mentor’s support, changes will not occur overnight.
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Looking to the mentor for promotions or jobs – again, the mentor can guide and provide you access to networks and opportunities, but it’s up to the mentee to find and secure advancements.
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Canceling meetings at the last minute – respect your mentor’s valuable time!
Challenges for Mentors
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Lack of time
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Personal problems / over-stepping the relationship boundaries
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Unrealistic expectations
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Dependence / doing the mentees work for them
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Mentor complaining about their own problems