How to be a better mentor? Say “I don’t know….” when you don’t have the answers.

Picture this: You’re guiding a mentee, being an active listener, being their sounding board, and suddenly, they ask a question you can’t answer. The instinct to panic? It’s real. But what if, instead, you calmly say, “I don’t know, but let’s figure it out together.”

Mel Weya
Women in Technology
2 min readSep 21, 2023

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Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Yes, you read that right. Embrace those three little words. And if the answer lies beyond your expertise, use your valuable network to connect your mentee with someone who does.

Navigating the Unknown

🤝 Mentorship isn’t about having all the answers. Sometimes, your mentee’s world is vastly different from yours — different departments, industries, and talents. In those moments, remember, that your role is more than advice; it’s about offering solutions, opening doors, and nurturing growth.

💎 Here’s a mentorship gem from Jenny Robinson, a leadership development expert and co-author of ‘Coaching on the Go’

Leverage your unique network. As a mentor, you bring different connections to the table. Use this advantage to link your mentee with the right people. Building their network becomes an extension of your own — a win-win for everyone.

Let’s Talk

💬 So, how have these mentorship insights transformed your journey? Share your experiences and let’s embark on a conversation about your growth as a mentor! 🎉

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Mel Weya
Women in Technology

I'm a Nairobi-based UX Researcher. I weave empathy, creativity, fresh ideas and human-centred design into impactful user experiences.