Mentees frequently have a rough idea of what they’d like to get out of their mentoring relationship, but they’re unclear how to get there. A critical part of a mentor’s responsibility is to establish goals that push the mentee out of their comfort zone and help them develop the skills and relationships they need to be successful.
When this process malfunctions, mentees are left rudderless, with no clear path to follow. The mentoring relationship may breakdown as a result. Mentees can lose the motivation they require to keep up their efforts, and mentors are left without any formal means to guide their charges.
To be sure the goals you’re setting in your relationship are effective, try and avoid the mistakes discussed in this Mentor Moment.