Boundaries

Boundaries are the agreements that draw the healthy frame of the mentoring relationship. They cover matters such as time, role, and the scope of the relationship; the frequency of meetings, what the mentor does and does not do, and where the relationship ends are made clear from the start. Boundaries are not a distance but a condition of trust; within a clear frame both sides move more freely. Unclear boundaries often lead to confused expectations and disappointment. A clear frame keeps the relationship safe for both mentor and mentee.