Center for Faculty Development
Phases of the Mentoring Relationship
Page Content
Seminal work by Kram (1983) on mentoring relationships at work identified mentoring relationships experience four phases. Described below, these phases can be used to help sketch out a timeline for faculty mentoring relationships and relevant tasks for each phase.
Phase 1: Initiation
The mentoring relationship is initiated and the focus is on getting to know each other and building rapport.
Suggested Tasks:
- Set up and initial meeting
- Get to know each other鈥檚 professional background.
- Discuss expectations for the relationship.
- Mentees may want to reflect on their strengths and areas for growth as they generate goals.
- Consider development of a mentorship agreement that documents shared expectations for the relationship.
Phase 2: Cultivation
Action on the mentee鈥檚 goals is ongoing and the relationship continues to develop.
Suggested Tasks:
- Meet consistently to be able to assess progress on goals
- Mentors should provide feedback and resources as needed to support the mentee鈥檚 goals
- Regular review of goals to celebrate mentee successes and problem-solve obstacles preventing obtainment of any unreached goals
- Revise goals as needed
- Have regular check-ins to ensure that both parties are satisfied with the relationship. Renegotiate expectations as needed.
Phase 3: Separation
The mentee has increased in their autonomy and the need for mentorship decreases.
Suggested Tasks:
- Consider reducing the frequency of meetings as the mentee gains more independence.
- Reflect on the overall growth of the mentee
- Identify future goals for the mentee that extend beyond the mentoring relationship
Phase 4: Redefinition
The mentoring relationship is ended or redefined as needed.
Suggested Tasks:
- Identify expectations for the relationship moving forward. In faculty mentoring relationships, generally, a new relationship is defined as professional colleagues and peers.
- Both mentor and mentee should reflect on the relationship to identify ways to improve future mentoring relationships.