During the enabling phase, the learning progress and the learning process are continuously monitored to assure that the mentee s learning goals are being met. Feedback is a powerful source for learning and critical for facilitating mentoring relationships. It is difficult to create a learning environment, build and maintain the relationship, monitor process, evaluate progress, foster reflection and assess learning outcomes without ongoing feedback. When feedback is given and received in the right way it nurtures the growth of the mentoring relationship. When it is given or received in the wrong way, it can undermine the relationship.
Mentors enrich the feedback process when they develop a climate of readiness and expectation.
Providing feedback without establishing a climate of readiness can be a frustrating and negative experience for mentees and mentors. Set clear expectations about the feedback you provide. Acknowledge the limits of that feedback. Be authentic and candid. Focus on behavior, not personality.