Throughout the relationship, the mentor and mentee must maintain open and honest communication. This is key to setting realistic expectations, working well together, and reaching goals.
Effective communication, and understanding that others may have different communication styles, can prevent many issues from developing.
If challenges do arise, talk it through, explain your side, listen to the other’s concerns, and determine the best path forward.
Power differential
There is naturally an imbalance of power between mentors and mentees. Mentors have more experience, professional recognition, and are often directing the research.
Mentors should understand that having mentees approach you can be intimidating. Mentees may also not feel comfortable asking for assistance. Keep open communication with your mentees and check in with them.
Competing and conflicting roles
At times, mentors and mentees can have additional roles with each other such as employee and supervisor. There may be situations where meeting the requirements for one role impacts the other.
Clearly define work responsibilities compared to mentoring responsibilities.
Questionable research practices
Mentors: If you see your mentee unintentionally violate research protocol or ethics, make sure the mentee understands the issue and potential consequences. If the violation is intentional, contact the appropriate office to address the issue.
Mentees: If your mentor acts unethically, you are obligated to report the behavior. If your mentor instructs you to act unethically, you should not comply. Reach out to another mentor or contact the appropriate office to address the issue.
Ending a mentoring relationship
Eventually, the mentorship relationship will have reached its useful end for one or both parties.
Mentees: Understand that your mentor’s goals and priorities will likely not evolve in tandem with yours. You may need to find additional mentors or bring the current mentoring relationship to a close to find a new mentor that better suits your current goals.
Bad mentoring relationships, though rare, should not be tolerated or maintained. You should never feel obligated to compromise your integrity to satisfy the requests of your mentor.
Mentors: Assist your mentee with finding new mentors and provide guidance.