Characteristics of a good mentor

The mentoring relationship should be based on trust, confidentiality, mutual respect and sensitivity. The relationship should be based on agreed boundaries and ground rules that address the power differentials between the mentor and mentee.

A successful mentor should have good communication skills. Mentees must be willing to hear both the “good” and the “bad” from a mentor. A mentor who is unwilling to provide honest feedback to a mentee is probably best avoided. However, mentees cannot be defensive when receiving feedback from a mentor.