What happens if the mentoring partnership is not working?

The mentoring relationship should be reviewed after two meetings, if it is felt the mentoring partnership is effective, the mentee and the mentor should discuss the issues and possible actions.  The following questions may help to review the relationship

• Do both parties have the same expectations of the mentoring process
• Are the aims/goals clearly defined and realistic?

If following the discussion, it is felt the relationship is not effective, both parties should agree to close the mentoring partnership.  The mentee may then wish to consider seeking an alternative mentor through the scheme.

A change of mentor is a positive way of both parties agreeing that their particular partnership was not effective, by no fault of either party, but that both mentor and mentee would benefit from a fresh partnership.  This is an acknowledgement that a change is needed for the benefit of development.