The Importance of Relationships

Mentoring occurs in the context of an interpersonal relationship that is developed through a series of ongoing interactions between a mentor and a mentee. This relationship is, at its core, a learning environment. For this reason, a mentor’s consistent application of strategies to build and maintain a healthy relationship with a mentee is crucial and should be given ongoing, thoughtful attention.

“It is through the personalized interaction between mentor and mentee that self-reflection occurs, career goals are set, specific competencies to be gained are identified, encouragement is given, challenges are presented, and new opportunities are explored.”^{1 p93}