Can a persons manager be their mentor?
A person’s manager can be their mentor. However, that does not usually occur for several reasons. A mentor is someone who is there to support an individual towards broad objectives. A manager must be concerned, first and foremost, with the individual’s specific performance objectives in their current job. A manager certainly can share their broader skill and knowledge with an individual and should take and interest in the individual’s career. Mentoring relationships can be more supportive and open when the mentor has no vested interest in, and does not formally evaluate, the individual’s performance. If a manager does engage in the process, it is critical for him or her to clearly understand the role and exhibit the necessary sensitivity.
