Chapter 33. Keys to Building a Productive Relationship

As we have said, much of what passes from mentor to mentee is personal learning. Therefore, mentors must be willing to share their experience, insight, perspective, and wisdom. In order to be effective, they must examine their own personal learning for applicability to your development. Mentoring can’t be forced. If the mentor is disaffected or resentful he or she can simply withhold the most useful information, ideas and experience.

A mentoring partnership is never automatic. Successful characteristics, behaviors or attitudes have to be developed and practiced by each partner.