Have I been a bad mentor?

[TenSheds]

A few months ago, a junior colleague, who I line manage, came to me for advice about a problem with a project. I suggested a solution, which he wasn't keen on for good reasons, but did put forward as an option. This week, he gave me an update on a meeting he'd had about this project, in which he referred to the approach he'd suggested. I automatically corrected him, to which his response was, “Oh wow, ok, whatever” - clearly he'd forgotten about our previous conversation and thought I was trying to take credit for his idea. Of course, I would never do this, I go out of my way to credit him where due (to his face and to others) and if I'd been in the meeting or another public context, I would have let it go (might have said something privately afterwards). I subsequently found out that he'd had quite a rough day, and I've been feeling bad. Did I do the wrong thing?

Well I wouldn't have corrected him like that, but I may have mentioned he didn't seem keen on that approach initially so would ask what had made him change his mind. In an enquiring way though.

I think it was a bit off to pull him up like that, when this is someone more junior who you line manage and mentor. It may have sounded like a reprimand, or like you expected credit for it. As you’ve since found out he was already having a rough day, I would suggest a gentle apology next time you talk.

I wouldn't have corrected him unless it was a common occurrence. It just feels a bit petty, did it matter who's idea it was?

Thanks all, that confirmed what I was feeling. @LadinLee it was my call really. @SchoolShenanigans You're absolutely right, it is petty and I don't know why it matters but it does. I have a pretty strong line on truth and accuracy so it's probably a reflection of that. I'm getting better at reining this in emails but speech is more instinctive. @Daffidale All fair points, I will indeed apologise next time we speak. Thanks again everyone

I don't think you said anything bad. He needs to give credit where credit is due. You made the suggestion, he chose to adopt your suggestion instead of his non-workable one, so you both look good. Presumably he wants to be a manager himself at some point. He needs to learn that its important to credit people for their ideas, suggestions, and work. Someone who takes credit for other people's stuff is a poor colleague and a poor manager, a person who is a morale drain and not someone people trust.

I wouldn't have made the suggestion in the first place but coached him through the process of deciding the best option.

I feel that a relationship with a mentor is a good place for someone to have small mistakes pointed out, because it won't have the same negative impact as a line manager having the same conversation.

Giving people the credit they deserve is a good way of building relationships, which will help him in his career - no one wants to help the person that will take all the credit for themselves.

Maybe next meeting, you could explain about taking constructive criticism well!

OP is the line manager.

"A few months ago, a junior colleague, who I line manage, came to me..."

I would see it as part of my job to teach a young man not to take credit for a colleague's/line manager's ideas. And if he had a bad day, that was not your fault.

Continue to be a good line manager. Continue to ensure he doesn't take credit for other people's ideas.