Episode: 680

Episode Title: If Mentoring Goes Sour

What do you do if you’re in a mentoring relationship that isn’t quite working out? Let’s talk about it, next on The Perna Syndicate.

Ep 680 show:

Welcome to The Perna Syndicate! In any meaningful mentoring relationship, there needs to be equal commitment from both parties. Unfortunately, there are situations when time commitments and expectations don’t align, or there’s just a plain old personality clash. 

To prevent losing trust in the relationship due to misunderstandings or misalignments, the mentor and mentee need to find ways to reassign priorities and agree on how best to proceed. 

Of course, it all starts with open and honest communication about where each individual stands, what they’re hoping to get out of the relationship, and what progress is being made.

Maybe both parties need a break, or maybe they just aren’t the right fit. The important thing to salvage from a malfunctioning mentorship experience is how to act like a professional even when things are awkward or challenging. 

After all, isn’t that how a lot of interactions go in the world of work? Being able to handle yourself with composure and grace is a valuable skill that will serve you well in any context. 

In any case, whether you’re a mentor or mentee, don’t give up on mentoring altogether. In a fast-changing world, mentorship moves individuals and organizations forward by giving both the company and its employees space to grow.  

Thanks for being part of The Perna Syndicate this week! I’m your host, Mark Perna, and we’ll see you back here next week for more insights and inspiration. Take care!