The Sunday Draft

If you’re searching for those wise, benevolent seniors to guide you at work — and coming up short — you’re not alone. On the flip side, if you’re someone who naturally extends help and finds your mentees occasionally overstepping or mistaking kindness for availability, you’re also not alone.

This is the reality of our times.

Job security feels like a relic. Economic moats erode faster than ever. And technology is transforming how we work, live, and connect — across every industry. In such a world, adaptability isn’t a buzzword anymore; it’s a lifeline.

So what do we do if we still believe in mutual growth, in sharing and seeking guidance — because that’s who we are, and that’s what brings us joy?

Here are some thoughts — for both sides of the equation.

For Mentees

Start with self-awareness
Before you look outward, take a moment to look within. What are you really hoping to achieve? Is it a functional shift — say, from sales to marketing, or coding to data science? Or do you aspire to be a subject matter expert in a specific field?

But don’t stop there. Ask yourself what kind of person you want to become along the way. Do you want to be more patient, more collaborative, more grounded? Professional growth feels more meaningful (and sustainable) when it’s connected to personal evolution. “I want to earn X by age Y” is fine, but let that be a milestone — not the mission.

Seek people you truly respect
A wise philosopher once said, “Nothing is more despicable than respect based on fear.” If you’re following someone only because you’re afraid of them, it’s time to pause and reassess.

True mentorship begins with genuine respect — not hierarchy. And often, one mentor can’t meet all your developmental needs. That’s okay. Embrace co-mentorship. Look beyond titles, even beyond your workplace. Some of the strongest guidance can come from unexpected corners. Stay curious, and stay honest with yourself.

For Mentors

Let it be a two-way street
Mentorship doesn’t mean you must have all the answers. In fact, it’s more powerful when it’s mutual. Your mentees can bring fresh perspectives, challenge your assumptions, and even inspire you to grow.

Being a mentor isn’t about being a saviour — it’s about creating safe spaces for open dialogue. If you feel your vulnerability might be misread or exploited, either the equation needs rethinking or your expectations do.

Be mindful of power dynamics
The mentor-mentee relationship is inherently imbalanced. That’s just how the structure works. But it’s easy — and dangerous — to misuse that.

Here are some red flags to watch for:

• Taking credit for your mentee’s ideas
• Discouraging them from learning from others
• Undermining their confidence under the guise of feedback
• Steering them toward your pet projects, not their growth
• Using mentoring conversations as a subtle surveillance tool

To keep yourself in check, ask: Why do I want to mentor this person?
If your reasons are rooted in ego, optics, or personal gain, it’s easier to fall into these traps.

Has mentorship changed from what it used to be?

Absolutely. In earlier generations, career paths were linear, organisations more stable, and mentorship more long-term. Today, we’re working in a far more fluid, fast-paced world — and both mentors and mentees must adapt.

Finding the “perfect” mentor or protégé may be tougher now, but the essence remains the same: connection, trust, and shared purpose.

So let’s keep showing up — for each other, and for ourselves.