Mutual respect requires honest interactions. If a mentee disagrees with something their mentor says, they should be free to question it. If they don’t understand something, their mentor should be patient with explanations.
If a mentor is disappointed in the level of effort the mentee is putting in, it’s essential they say so. They should be honest in their evaluations and constructive with their criticisms.
In the end, mentors and mentees have to get to know one another in deep and meaningful ways. This commitment helps forge a powerful bond that’s mutually beneficial. Mentors provide personalized guidance, helping their charges break through walls that previously held them back. In return, mentees provide mentors the satisfaction of knowing that they’re making a difference in another person’s life. The more they’re upfront with each other about what they want, what they expect, and what they have to offer, the more profitable the relationship will be.