A Good Mentor Doesn't Create Dependence

Someone reaches out because they're considering a career change.

They want to know whether they should accept an offer, pursue a certification, or leave their current position.

It can be tempting to respond immediately:

"Here's what I would do."

But the best guidance doesn't always begin with an answer.

Sometimes it begins with better questions.

What matters most to you right now?

What information are you missing?

What risks can you reasonably take?

What would make this opportunity meaningful?

Mentorship is not about making someone else's decisions.

It's about strengthening their ability to make decisions with greater clarity.

For mentors and career coaches, this distinction matters.

A person who leaves every conversation needing your approval may feel supported in the moment, but they haven't necessarily developed greater independence.

A person who leaves understanding their priorities, options, and next steps has gained something they can carry forward.

The goal is not to become indispensable.

The goal is to help someone become more capable.

And that requires listening, curiosity, honesty, and the humility to recognize that another person's path may look different from your own.

For our mentor and coaching community: What's one question you ask that helps people discover their own answers?

Share it below.