Customize Consent Preferences

We use cookies to help you navigate efficiently and perform certain functions. You will find detailed information about all cookies under each consent category below.

The cookies that are categorized as "Necessary" are stored on your browser as they are essential for enabling the basic functionalities of the site. ... 

Always Active

Necessary cookies are required to enable the basic features of this site, such as providing secure log-in or adjusting your consent preferences. These cookies do not store any personally identifiable data.

No cookies to display.

Functional cookies help perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collecting feedback, and other third-party features.

No cookies to display.

Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics such as the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.

No cookies to display.

Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.

No cookies to display.

Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with customized advertisements based on the pages you visited previously and to analyze the effectiveness of the ad campaigns.

No cookies to display.

Banner Left
Banner Right

Set Boundaries with Your Mentor

While a great mentorship can result in a transformative connection between two pro- fessionals, there are some nuanced challenges inherent in mentor-mentee relationships. Clear boundaries are key to safeguarding your mental health, privacy and productivity. Here’s how to establish and protect them.

Understand your limits. Reflect on what you’re comfortable discussing about your work and life. For example, you might be open to discussing career goals but not personal relationships.

Communicate your boundaries. Initiate a con- versation with your mentor about boundaries. Ask about their preferences and share yours. For example, you might say, “I prefer not to discuss personal matters deeply but I’m open to profes- sional topics”. Remember: Your relationship will evolve over time. Be open to revisiting and adjusting your boundaries as necessary. Keep communication open to manage expectations and maintain a healthy professional relationship.

Enforce your boundaries in the moment. If a boundary is crossed – even one that wasn’t previously communicated – address it calmly and clearly. You might say, “That’s not an area of my life I really want to get into. It’s not personal, just a boundary I’ve set for myself at work”. Then give them the chance to respond. If they acknowledge your feelings and make an effort to adjust, you can continue the mentorship without revisiting the issue.

  • -This tip is adapted from ‘The Importance of Setting Boundaries with Your Mentor’ by Janice Omadeke.

Stay informed with The Namibian – your source for credible journalism. Get in-depth reporting and opinions for only N$85 a month. Invest in journalism, invest in democracy –
Subscribe Now!

Latest News