Often, we hesitate to give feedback, even when it is crucial for the health of a relationship or the success of a team. The fear of hurting feelings, triggering a defensive reaction, or being perceived as overly critical can lead us to hold back.

However, withholding feedback can breed resentment and anger, ultimately causing distance and denying others the opportunity for growth.

Estimated reading time: 3 minutes

I write regularly for a women’s business website, and I often have the opportunity to interview career women who are really making a difference in their workplaces and their communities. In these interviews, we often discuss how they got where they are, what kinds of things factored into their success, and how they find work-life balance. One factor that almost always comes up is mentors, and the importance of women helping other women. How do you find a mentor? And what is the difference between coaching and mentoring?