5 ways to nurture growth in yourself, others through mentorship

In my early days as medical director in the neonatal intensive care unit, I learned quickly that leadership isn’t about having all the answers; rather, it’s about building collaborative teams and creating space for others to contribute meaningfully.

That same philosophy shaped how I approach mentorship today. Whether I’m supporting medical students, PhD candidates or early-career faculty, I’ve found the most impactful mentoring relationships are rooted in flexibility, communication and compassion.

If you’re looking to grow as a mentor — or become a better mentee — here are five principles that have guided me through nearly two decades in academic medicine.

1. Be flexible.  Mentorship isn’t one-size-fits-all, and every mentee brings something different to the table. Some are self-starters who check in occasionally while others need more hands-on support as they build confidence. As a mentor, it’s important not to assume what someone needs. Instead, approach each relationship with openness and adaptability. What works for one person may not work for the next —a nd that’s OK.

2. Set expectations and communicate clearly. Clear communication is the backbone of any strong mentoring relationship. Early on, define how often you’ll meet and who is responsible for scheduling. I usually encourage the mentee to take the lead as it helps them practice self-advocacy and take ownership of their growth.

It’s also essential to talk about goals from the start. Short-term, long-term, personal, professional — having those conversations early ensures that your advice aligns with their unique path, not just yours.

3. Have the hard conversations. Mentorship isn’t always smooth sailing. There will be moments when expectations aren’t met or progress stalls. When that happens, don’t wait. Address the issue early and, when possible, do it in person. In an era of hybrid work, we often default to emails or Zoom, but nothing replaces the clarity and empathy of face-to-face dialogue. A compassionate, honest conversation can get things back on track before small issues grow into major setbacks.

4. See the whole person. People are so much more than their job titles. Life doesn’t pause for professional development, so mentorship must account for the human behind the CV. Over the years, I’ve supported mentees through marriages, births, illnesses and career pivots. One of the most meaningful things you can do is acknowledge and adapt to life’s changing circumstances.

Encouraging someone to adjust their goals in light of a new reality isn’t failure — it’s mentorship at its best. It shows that you’re walking alongside them, not pushing them in a predetermined direction.

5. Know that growth is mutual. Mentorship has shaped me just as much as I’ve shaped others. It’s taught me how to lead with empathy, how to coach through change and how to listen with intention. It’s made me a better communicator, a more thoughtful colleague and a more grounded leader.

And it’s incredibly rewarding. The big wins — like seeing a mentee land their dream job or present their research on a national stage — are deeply gratifying. But so are the everyday victories, like watching someone you’ve coached confidently lead a meeting or make a hard decision with clarity. Those are the moments that keep me invested.

When done well, mentorship is one of the most powerful ways we grow future leaders, advance our fields and create lasting impact. The work isn’t always easy, but the reward is undeniable; when you nurture someone else’s growth, you grow too.

Ann Anderson Berry, MD, PhD, is the vice president of research and division chief of Neonatology at Children’s Nebraska, executive director of the Child Health Research Institute and the University of Nebraska Medical Center Dr. John and Patti Sparks Chair of Pediatric Research.

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