What is a good approach when mentoring a colleague?

• A. Provide feedback without setting goals or tracking progress.
• B. Share resources but do not monitor progress.
• C. Set goals, provide feedback, share resources, track progress, celebrate improvements.
• D. Avoid mentoring and give generic advice.

Answer: (C)

Structured, proactive mentoring combines clear goals, ongoing feedback, resource sharing, progress tracking, and recognition. Setting goals gives direction and a concrete plan for development. Providing feedback helps the mentee adjust course and reinforces strengths. Sharing resources expands capabilities and supports learning. Tracking progress keeps accountability and makes growth visible, while celebrating improvements sustains motivation and engagement. This approach creates a collaborative, measurable, and motivating growth relationship.

Without goals or progress tracking, feedback lacks context and momentum. Merely sharing resources without monitoring progress misses accountability. Avoiding mentoring or giving generic advice fails to address the individual’s needs and misses opportunities for real development.