<p>In mentoring relationships, if one person is socially awkward/inept/shy, then it’s usually the mentee that’s like that. But there may be rare cases where it’s the opposite. Do you think such a relationship would work, and will the mentee benefit from such a mentorship?</p>
<p>Well, by definition an inept mentor would be inept at providing a mentoring environment. However, a socially awkward professor could definitely do it. While there is a degree of bonding involved in a good mentorship, social awkwardness really isn’t that huge of a problem if the professor is nonetheless dedicated to helping his mentee. In some circumstances, I could see it as an advantage. It is likely that he or she won’t have many mentees because of being socially awkward, which gives you more access, and they might also be even more eager to assist you too.</p>