- This topic has 10 replies, 7 voices, and was last updated 4 months, 3 weeks ago by Harriet Nayiga.
I started my mentorship journey in 2016 after starting my degree studies at Aga Khan University where I met my midwifery lecturer Prof. Grace Edwards, her passion, knowledge and experience compelled me to ask her for mentorship which she kindly accepted. I was later selected by International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) -Young Midwife Leaders program which took us through a formal mentorship program. This helped us to get more acquainted, set smart goals, staying on truck and being accountable. She allowed me to learn from her wisdom, her rich professional and life experience. We have shared the achievements and stood with me during challenges. Our mentorship became a partnership, she is one of my organization’s Board Members, she is supportive in resource mobilization runs fundraising activities in the UK for our organization. she maximized my strengths than focusing on addressing my weaknesses and I provided feedback. I strongly believe my story would be different if I didn’t walk with her. My purpose, my passion and energy sets me on fire but I needed a push. Through my lived example as a mentee and as a mentor, below are the 4 things I think all mentors and mentees need to know:
1. Mentorship should be a mutual partnership.
2. As a mentee you own your journey, as a mentor you are the push for your mentee.
3. Mentorship is an agreement; you agree on terms and you walk the journey amidst your differences.
4. Mentorship should not be confused with other support that aim at improving performance and achieving specific goals. Mentorship is a long term relationship focusing on personal career development, drawing on the mentor’s experience and knowledge to guide the mentee.
-
Posts
-
-
I started my mentorship journey in 2016 after starting my degree studies at Aga Khan University where I met my midwifery lecturer Prof. Grace Edwards, her passion, knowledge and experience compelled me to ask her for mentorship which she kindly accepted. I was later selected by International Confederation of Midwives (ICM) -Young Midwife Leaders program which took us through a formal mentorship program. This helped us to get more acquainted, set smart goals, staying on truck and being accountable. She allowed me to learn from her wisdom, her rich professional and life experience. We have shared the achievements and stood with me during challenges. Our mentorship became a partnership, she is one of my organization’s Board Members, she is supportive in resource mobilization runs fundraising activities in the UK for our organization. she maximized my strengths than focusing on addressing my weaknesses and I provided feedback. I strongly believe my story would be different if I didn’t walk with her. My purpose, my passion and energy sets me on fire but I needed a push. Through my lived example as a mentee and as a mentor, below are the 4 things I think all mentors and mentees need to know:
1. Mentorship should be a mutual partnership.
2. As a mentee you own your journey, as a mentor you are the push for your mentee.
3. Mentorship is an agreement; you agree on terms and you walk the journey amidst your differences.
4. Mentorship should not be confused with other support that aim at improving performance and achieving specific goals. Mentorship is a long term relationship focusing on personal career development, drawing on the mentor’s experience and knowledge to guide the mentee. -
It’s so good to hear of a successful and thriving mentor-mentee relationship. I really like where you said “As a mentee, you own your own journey”. A mentor does not eliminate a mentee’s need to out in the hard work. In fact, it’s more reason to work hard because there is a guide available. The relationship must be so beautiful to see and mature too, knowing that it’s long term yet is an agreement.
-
What a great list, Harriet! I can’t agree more! Especially I very much liked your points on looking at mentor-mentee relationship from a long term perspective and that it needs to be two-way, not imposed by the mentor. These resonate with me deeply!
In my own path, as both a mentor and mentee, I’ve learned that:
1- Trust and reciprocity are the foundation of the relationship.
2- The best mentors guide without shaping you in their image. (Believe me I’ve seen people trying to impose their world view and perceptions on you, which is a big shame and disappointment!)
3- Great mentees are those who bring curiosity and commitment to the table.
4- I see mentorship as a long game of mutual growth, not a transactional relation.It can be so transformative when it’s built with clarity and care.
-
-
What a great list, Harriet! I can’t agree more! Especially I very much liked your points on looking at mentor-mentee relationship from a long term perspective and that it needs to be two-way, not imposed by the mentor. These resonate with me deeply!
In my own path, as both a mentor and mentee, I’ve learned that:
1- Trust and reciprocity are the foundation of the relationship.
2- The best mentors guide without shaping you in their image. (Believe me I’ve seen people trying to impose their world view and perceptions on you, which is a big shame and disappointment!)
3- Great mentees are those who bring curiosity and commitment to the table.
4- I see mentorship as a long game of mutual growth, not a transactional relation.It can be so transformative when it’s built with clarity and care.
-
-
Harriet, Thankyou for sharing your experience of mentor and mentors. Like you, I have experienced being both a mentee and a mentor. The best relationship is, as you say a mutual partnership led by by knowledge, respect and the desire to share knowledge and gain knowledge.
I have been lucky to have had incredible mentors in the past who have not only expanded my knowledge but given me greater confidence, self-belief and the incentive to achieve my aspirations. As a mentor myself I have taken great pride and joy of being part of helping someone grow and develop their skills and reach their personal goals. -
-
Harriet, I completely align with you on this — such a great read and so valuable to hear your perspectives. I couldn’t agree more with the four things you’ve shared.
For me, there are a few additional points that stand out from my own experience:
1. Trust-building is the foundation — and as mentors, it’s important to acknowledge that we may not always have all the answers. Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is explore those questions together.
2. Discovery calls can be especially helpful at the start. Many mentees, particularly young people, may not know exactly what to ask for. That first conversation can help them untangle their thoughts and gain clarity.
3. Consistency matters — from both sides. It’s what deepens the relationship and creates space for real growth.
4. Mutual development — as mentors, our growth continues through every interaction. Following up with mentees and maintaining that long-term relationship benefits both sides immensely.
Loved your post, and so glad we’re in this conversation together. -
Your journey beautifully captures the true essence of mentorship — a partnership built on trust, growth, and shared purpose. It’s inspiring how your mentor empowered you to maximize your strengths while walking alongside you through every challenge. Thank you for reminding us that mentorship is not just guidance, but a lifelong relationship of mutual learning and support.
-
Great insight, Harriet. There’s so much to learn in this space.
Whenever I face a challenge or difficult situation, I do consult with my mentor, and two things I say to myself, before the talk
– I will not get defensive
– And I will hear the criticism with an open mind approach
This helps to relearn in a better light 🙂
Thanks & Regards
-
- You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
