"Well, damn. Congratulations! This is a huge accomplishment and speaks very highly of you. I don't know if I would have been able to hang on for five years while a promotion was being dangled in front of me. So I'm glad that your patience is finally being rewarded and your mentor-as amazing as they are!-is really and truly leaving."
"My mentor is a visionary, and incredibly beloved in our (tiny) field. They did incredible things to bring my organization forward. I am worried about "going past" my mentor. I would not actually ever be able to, but the path they have cleared for me will lead to opportunities that, if I do the job I'm supposed to do, will put me (or really the role) in a spotlight every now and then."
A new leader stepping into a beloved mentor's role should acknowledge the mentor's achievements and emotional difficulty with transition. The incoming leader should communicate intentions clearly, reassure the mentor about continued respect and involvement, and set boundaries that prioritize the organization's needs. Honest conversations can ease feelings of being replaced and create opportunities for the mentor to remain valued. Balancing humility with confidence helps the leader fulfill responsibilities without diminishing the mentor's legacy. Prioritizing the organization's mission and demonstrating competence can honor past work while guiding future progress.
Read at Slate Magazine
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