The rising star hypothesis proposes that characteristics of “rising star” protégés already set them up for success, such that mentoring is a byproduct of their ambition. Alternatively, the influential mentor hypothesis states that protégés experience success due to the positive influence of mentoring. Herein, we test whether rising star characteristics (need for achievement and career initiative behaviors) precede or follow informal mentorship. Using data from a sample of 94 protégés (recruited from a hospital) over two time points (six-week lag), we found best evidence for a mix of the rising star and influential mentor hypotheses, in which career initiative behaviors predict the number of informal mentors, and in turn, need for achievement. Cross-lagged effects were probed and provide evidence that the benefits of informal mentoring does not seem to extend to formal mentoring. Practical implications are highlighted, including the benefits of multiple mentors and alternatives to traditional mentoring. © The Author(s) 2025.

In this study, we investigate the role of matching communication (i.e., relational messages received) in mentoring outcomes (mentor and protégé career attitudes). Specifically, we used data from a sample of 145 matched mentor–protégé dyads in a response surface analysis to show that matched relational messaging generally relates to mentors (and less consistently, protégés) reporting enhanced career satisfaction and career commitment. Furthermore, our findings are consistent with previous research showing that when relational messages (i.e., intimacy) or self-disclosure are matched at high or low (i.e., more extreme) levels, the mentor and protégé have the best outcomes. Additionally, beneficial mentor outcomes were maximized when levels of seriousness were matched at a moderate level. These results suggest that both levels of relational messaging, as well as the degree to which mentors and protégé match on these constructs influences mentoring outcomes. Study limitations, future directions for research, and implications for career development are discussed. © The Author(s) 2024.