bad mentorship

Why Your Mentorship Isn't Working (And How To Fix It)

A “bad” mentorship feels like wasted time – a series of conversations that don’t translate into tangible progress. It’s frustrating, and unfortunately, common. But it’s rarely about a bad mentor; it’s usually about a mismatch in approach or a lack of structure.

The Expert Perspective: Most people treat mentorship like a one-off transaction: book a session, ask a question, get an answer. This “transactional mentorship” often fails because it lacks continuity, accountability, and the crucial element of shared progress. True growth isn’t a series of isolated insights; it’s a consistent journey, documented and refined over time. It’s about building a relationship where you feel safe to be vulnerable, experiment, and publicly work through challenges.

Actionable Steps You Can Take Today:

• Define Clear Goals: Before any meeting, write down 3 specific outcomes you want to achieve. Don’t just say “career advice”; say “I want feedback on my resume for data science roles.”
• Prepare Thoughtful Questions: Avoid broad questions like “What should I do with my career?” Instead, ask targeted questions based on your research and goals. “I’m considering roles in X and Y. Given my skills, which do you think aligns better and why?”
• Document Action Items: After each session, immediately write down the agreed-upon next steps – for both of you. Accountability is key.
• Share Your Wins (and Losses): Don’t just report back on successes. Share your failures and challenges. This builds trust and allows your mentor to provide more relevant guidance.
• Seek Feedback on the Relationship: Ask your mentor directly: “Is this mentorship working for you? Is there anything I can do to make it more valuable?”

Why Menteo is Different:

Reading about mentorship best practices is a great start, but it’s no substitute for doing the work with consistent support. Menteo is built on the principle of social mentorship – a continuous, collaborative growth experience.

Unlike traditional networks or booking-only platforms, Menteo offers:

• Growth Threads: Publicly document your journey, get feedback from your mentor and the community, and build a portfolio of your progress.
• Mentorship Rooms: Structured 1:1 guidance with dedicated spaces for goal setting, action item tracking, and resource sharing.
• Roadmaps: Curated learning paths designed by industry experts, providing a clear framework for your growth.
• Communities: Connect with peers facing similar challenges, fostering a supportive environment for learning and accountability.

Simply having a mentor isn’t enough. You need a system that fosters consistent engagement, shared accountability, and visible progress.

Ready to experience mentorship that actually works? Find mentors and start building your future today.