Sexual Attraction Shapes Mentoring and Coaching Relationships
Many people believe that sexual attraction has no place in mentoring and coaching relationships.
Research indicates that sexual attraction can be an important factor in shaping these relationships and influencing their outcomes. Sexual attraction between mentors/coaches and mentees/clients is often subtle but powerful, and it can impact how they interact with each other and the distribution of career opportunities.
I will discuss how sexual attraction shapes mentoring and coaching relationships and how this can affect the distribution of career opportunities.
Mentoring and Coaching Relationships
A mentor is someone who guides, advises, or supports another person's professional development. They provide guidance, feedback, and resources to help the mentee achieve their goals. A coach provides training, support, and advice to help individuals improve performance or reach specific objectives. Both mentors and coaches may play a significant role in helping others develop professionally.
Research suggests that sexual attraction can influence mentoring and coaching relationships.
When mentors are attracted to their mentees, they may spend more time with them, offer more encouragement, and give greater attention to their needs. This can lead to improved job performance, increased productivity, and better job satisfaction for both parties.
Sexual attraction can also create tension and confusion in these relationships. If not managed appropriately, it can damage trust and communication between mentors/coaches and mentees/clients. It can lead to uncomfortable situations, such as favoritism or inappropriate behavior. When sexual attraction goes unaddressed, it can harm the relationship and undermine its benefits.
Distribution of Career Opportunities
Sexual attraction can also impact the distribution of career opportunities.
If a mentor/coach is sexually attracted to a mentee/client, they may be more likely to promote or recommend them for promotions, raises, or other advancements. Similarly, if a superior is sexually attracted to an employee, they may overlook their work performance and focus on their appearance instead. This can result in unfair treatment and missed opportunities for employees who do not meet the same standards.
Sexual attraction can create a sense of entitlement among mentees/clients. They may believe that being attractive gives them an advantage over others and expect preferential treatment from mentors/coaches. This can lead to resentment and conflict within the team.
Sexual attraction shapes mentoring and coaching relationships and the distribution of career opportunities. Mentors/coaches must recognize this potential influence and take steps to manage it effectively. By addressing sexual attraction openly and honestly, both parties can benefit from the relationship while minimizing any negative effects.
How does sexual attraction shape mentoring and coaching relationships and the distribution of career opportunities?
Sexual attraction can play an important role in shaping mentoring and coaching relationships as well as the distribution of career opportunities. According to researchers (e. g. , Wagerman et al. , 2018), there is evidence that individuals who are perceived as attractive tend to be more likely to receive favorable treatment at work, such as being offered more promotions and higher salaries.