Which factor is most likely to create a poor relationship between a mentor and a mentee?

The factor that is most likely to create a poor relationship between a mentor and a mentee is when the mentor recruits mentees merely for their own career advancement. This scenario highlights a fundamental issue in the mentor-mentee dynamic: self-interest. When a mentor's primary motivation is personal gain rather than fostering the development and interests of their mentees, it undermines trust and support that are essential for a productive mentoring relationship.

A successful mentoring relationship relies on mutual respect, genuine interest in the mentee's growth, and a commitment to sharing knowledge. If a mentor is primarily focused on their own advancement, they may overlook the needs and goals of their mentees, resulting in a lack of engagement, poor communication, and feelings of being undervalued for the mentees. In such relationships, mentees may feel used or exploited, which can severely hinder their development and diminish the overall effectiveness of the mentoring process. Thus, this self-serving approach fundamentally disrupts the collaborative spirit that is crucial for a positive and constructive mentor-mentee relationship.