How can you respectfully and supportively end a mentoring relationship?

We like to begin with the end in mind and this comes from setting the goals and expectations at the start of each mentoring relationship. It’s ok to have a few mentors along the way - we suggest one in function and one out of function actually. SMARTY goals are best … the Y is to make sure they are specific to YOU! Not just a copy and paste!

Planning ahead is super crucial. Ending this relationship is never easy, however should be done respectfully. Acknowledge the goals that were achieved and the mentor's style. Give honest feedback as well so that both parties can grow from the experience.

We have developed a model called SEEK framework ( Skill ,Experience ,Exposure ,Knowledge ) where I emphasize that the mentee has to develop the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate their journey independently. Encourage them to take what they've learned and apply it to future endeavors. Most of time founder consult one domain mentor and business mentor .If your roles are well defined at the first meeting and broad expectations are documented will give clarity in engagements

Just like any relationship, you want to keep this professional from the start and in the middle and the end! Always best to work with the facts and review the originally agreed upon goals and expectations and roles and responsibilities. It’s quite alright to fire and retire mentors along the way. Best to leave emotion out of it and be upfront and honest.

Discuss a timeline for the official end of the mentoring relationship. This could be a specific date or milestone when you both agree it's time to conclude the formal mentoring. As a mentee their expectation are different at every stage of their life cycle hence it is important to agree on certain schedule and agenda in advance .

Provide constructive and open feedback on areas where the mentee can continue to improve or develop. Encourage them to seek feedback from others as well. Bring clarity on the conversation ,take some base line of what was achieved during the mentoring period and appreciate their efforts and results . End the meeting by expressing your gratitude once again, and wish your mentee well on their future journey.

Cutting off all contact with the mentor or the mentee sounds harsh. You can, if not regularly, keep in touch with them. Social media enables us today to drop in messages to ask for their well being and maybe give some suggestions. Ending always professionally and on good terms is good for the long run.

Asking for feedback is a growth strategy. This helps the mentee to see where they might be lacking and how they can achieve those goals. Mentors can also understand their own style of mentoring and how their guidance is being taken by the mentee.

Ending a mentoring relationship is a natural part of the mentorship process as we say keep the end in mind .Your guidance and support have helped your mentee grow, and your ongoing encouragement can make a lasting impact on their development. Seeking feedback like quick take away what was the most memorable movement and events etc will be great reflection for a mentor

Ending and beginning a new chapter should be seen in a positive light. Hence, celebrating endings can help both the mentor & mentee leave on a beneficial note. This would help you bring joy to the conversations that you have in future.

the relationship should end Win:Win both mentor & mentee should agree that they have reached a point where they can part amicably, no need for recriminations, each party will be content that as best they can, time to part although hard is the best for both of you.

A mentoring relationship requires time and energy of both participants so keeping it alive when it is not adding significant value anymore would be a waste of someone's time. Also, keeping it unnecessarily long might create a form of dependence which would block the mentee's development. So if you have already added value, there is no need to feel bad about ending the process. Even more, in my experience, when the mentor proposes it, usually the mentee was already thinking about it.

Much in the same way a counsellor ends their relationship with the client you should explore the feelings and the potential sense of loss for the client. Discuss positive and negative reactions to ending the relationship by focusing on the gains and progress the client has made. Help them recognize the positive changes. There must come a time when both parties will go their own way.