What is a key feature of the initiation stage of mentoring?

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In mentoring, the initiation stage is about building rapport and setting the stage for ongoing development. This is when the mentor and mentee start to get to know each other, establish trust, and clarify what they want to achieve. They discuss roles, boundaries, and expectations, and begin to outline goals and a plan for how meetings will proceed. This foundation is essential because a strong, open relationship makes it easier to give and receive feedback, share challenges, and stay engaged as progress occurs.

The other options reflect later or different aspects of the process: signing a contract is part of formalizing the arrangement, which can occur early but isn’t the defining feature of initiation; gaining independence happens as the mentee develops skills and confidence over time; and the relationship ending belongs to the termination phase once objectives are met or the agreement ends.