What is a consequence of being overly harsh in a mentoring relationship?

In a mentoring relationship, being overly harsh can significantly damage the foundational element of trust between the mentor and the mentee. Trust is crucial because it creates an environment where the mentee feels safe to share their challenges, ask questions, and be open about their learning process. If a mentor is consistently critical or too tough, the mentee may feel threatened or belittled, which can lead to fear rather than a willingness to engage and learn. As a result, the mentee might withdraw, become less communicative, and lose the motivation to grow or develop under the mentor's guidance. This deterioration of trust can hinder effective communication and limit the mentorship's overall effectiveness, making it challenging for the mentee to achieve their potential.