Women often pin all their hopes on a good mentor, aiming to engineer the kinds of career connections that seem to materialize organically for men. Myths about mentors abound. They are assumed to have superpowers for solving every kind of career dilemma, from meeting the folks in the next department to getting chosen for a career-making assignment. They are believed to have telepathic empathy, be unendingly patient, and be willing to advocate for you at every turn.
That sounds an awful lot like another American icon: Mom.
But your mentor is not your mom. Of course, your relationship with your mentor should be mutually productive and satisfying, but, keep in mind that this is about getting ahead in your career. Women sometimes expect a maternal level of emotional investment from their mentors and want someone who will look out for them like a mother hen. If you’re emotionally overinvested, you’re already off track. You’ll be disappointed with your mentor in particular — and cynical about mentoring overall — if you have unrealistic expectations about the nature of this important relationship.
To read the full, original article click on this link: Your Mentor Isn't Your Mom: 5 Rules for Avoiding Mentorship Mishaps | On Leadership | BNET
Author: Joanne Cleaver
