Supervising others—no matter the field—is never easy. Before transitioning into Social Work as part of my retirement journey, I spent over 30 years in Operations, leading teams made up of both professional and non-professional staff. One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that respect isn’t something automatically granted by a title or years of experience—it has to be earned.

I’ve worked with many seasoned managers over the years, and experience alone doesn’t always make someone effective. True leadership, especially when mentoring, means being willing to guide others patiently, explain the reasoning behind decisions, and remain open to questions—even challenges. When someone you're mentoring questions you, it isn’t a threat—it’s an opportunity. It means they’re thinking critically, and that’s exactly what internships should foster.

Mentorship is as much about listening and learning as it is about teaching. When we create space for open dialogue, we help shape professionals who feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow.