Mentoring Myth: Chemistry is Necessary

There are some mentoring myths we encounter day in and day out as we guide our clients on their mentoring journey. This is the third in a series of posts on mentoring myths. Watch as we bust these myths wide open! 

Mentoring Myth: In order for a formal mentoring relationship to be successful, mentors and mentees need to have chemistry.

BUSTED: We hear this one a lot. At first blush, it seems like a correct statement, doesn’t it? Mentors and mentorees need chemistry in order to work together effectively, don’t they?

Nope.

To understand why this is, let’s first define chemistry. Chemistry is an intense, very personal feeling — an initial connection or attraction between two individuals that may develop into a strong, emotional bond. Unstructured and unpredictable, it is the basis for an informal mentoring relationship, but it’s not necessary for a formal mentoring relationship where people typically work together for 9-12 months.

Now, let’s talk about a “C” word that does matter: Compatibility.

Compatibility occurs when individuals work together in harmony to achieve a common purpose. With formal mentoring relationships, compatibility is a must-have because the mentor and mentee need to work together towards goals they set at the beginning of the relationship.

So, while chemistry is nice to have, it’s far from a deal breaker.

Do you have any mentoring myths you have always wondered about? Ask us in the comments section below!