Keywords

mentorship, supervisors, career growth, workplace dynamics, professional development

Summary

In this conversation, Angela Falcini and Bill Bonwit discuss the complexities of having a supervisor as a mentor. They explore the benefits and limitations of this relationship, emphasizing the importance of having multiple mentors to navigate career growth effectively. The discussion covers when it is appropriate for supervisors to act as mentors, the types of feedback they can provide, and the risks associated with sharing personal aspirations with them. The conversation concludes with advice on what topics to avoid discussing with supervisors to maintain a healthy professional relationship.

Takeaways

Supervisors can have mentoring skills but may limit the scope of mentorship.
It's crucial to have multiple mentors for comprehensive guidance.
Supervisors control evaluations, pay, and promotions, influencing their mentoring role.
Discussing doubts or career aspirations with supervisors can be risky.
Feedback from supervisors can be both performance-related and developmental.
Navigating organizational politics is a key area where supervisors can mentor.
External mentors can provide guidance on long-term career goals and identity.
Avoid discussing half-formed career pivots with supervisors.
It's important to frame conversations with supervisors as curious, not uncertain.
Supervisors should not be the only source of mentorship.

Sound bites

"You might hold back on sharing any doubts you have."

"It's important to have multiple mentors."

"Don't bring up any comparison to your peers."

Chapters

00:00 The Role of Supervisors as Mentors

08:55 Navigating Mentorship Beyond Supervisors

17:21 What Not to Discuss with Supervisors

Ep #23: Supervisors as Mentors - Good Idea or No?