Via SHEOBlog, I found this list of five ways to get the most from your mentor. I love that Jen encourages people to challenge their mentors. If you find yourself in the occasional position to challenge your mentor, it shows your mind is working!
I’ve had a number of mentors over the years. Sometimes, it makes sense to follow all of your mentor’s recommendations. Other times, it makes sense to give feedback. That’s because mentoring is a relationship, not a dictatorship.
If it’s offensive, then I must have been a pretty offensive student, too!
I sometimes teach and I don’t mind being questioned. Sometimes the student raises a valid point.
As a grad student, I find myself constantly challenging my instructors. I hope that they don’t find it offensive, but I love picking their brains by pushing them a bit.