How can you build strong professional relationships with leaders in your field?

I have always tried to act in this manner all my career and do the right thing and in doing so, usually, you get rewards far beyond what you would have if you set out to selfishly serve your own ambitions. Part of that is supporting others to thrive and that’s part of the joy for me of leadership.

Think this is an important point, a lot of people talk about it but don’t demonstrate it, especially the more senior they get - egos seem to get in the way. I think it has to come from a place of genuine authenticity & wanting to support others, rather than expecting something in return.

I've found that leading by helping others often leads to a strong team. Listening, caring, and guiding without ego can make work feel more like a shared journey. It's about lifting others up and in turn, we all rise.

Servant leaders actively bridge the gaps that are present between members of their team and other people or opportunities within (or outside of) the company. People who truly embody this are perceptive of the needs of others and don't simply make blanket judgments or decisions that could be ineffective for the group. They empower people to take action and uplevel, rather than enable limiting behaviors. When necessary, they shield people from unnecessary conflict but also know when it's appropriate to be transparent in order for people to move accordingly based on the facts. This is all to build community and create a foundation of trust that people can thrive on.

Personally I think it’s not necessarily about formal mentors, although they can be great, but seeing every interaction as an opportunity to learn something. Everyone we meet can teach us something - if we’re open, curious, can listen & build trust with new people.

When you realize everyone is a mentor, your world opens up. My kids are 9, 7, and 5, and they have taught me so much in just a short time, and they're not even trying to teach me anything. They're just trying to exist and learn about this world. If we look at everyone with these eyes of wonder and 'what can I learn from you?' you will ALWAYS find something. Ultimately, my future self is my best mentor. I project myself into an older, wiser self. And she'll advise me. Sometimes it's "go do a yoga class", but sometimes it's "reach out to [a certain person] and ask them [...]." If we go through life looking at everyone as mentors, we will always be open to learn. As we sift through what we receive, we learn to discern what we wish to keep.

I've found that finding a mentor starts with spotting someone you really admire in your field. It's about seeing who's walked the path you're eyeing and is willing to share their wisdom. Look for folks whose work speaks to you and who seem open to sharing their journey. You might spot them at your job, at conferences, or even online. Get to know their story, what they've done, and what drives them. It's about that click you feel when their work resonates with yours.

Be clear on the ask & be respectful, honest, personal. Also be clear on the time commitment & be realistic. If someone asks me to mentor them - I’ll probably say I don’t have time - as I don’t have a lot of capacity, but if someone asks me for an hour to talk about my experience in xxx then I’ll almost always say yes, as I like helping people, and the ask is clear - not open-ended.

Building relationships is so important through this process. You need to provide value as well as ask for it. Find common ground, start gently and build a rapport before you go in for the big questions. I’ve found the best mentors and advisors have come from organic relationships I have built through common interests. Most importantly, don’t force it!

I'd say, when you're ready to connect with a mentor, be genuine. Drop them a line with a clear reason, maybe to seek guidance or discuss their work. Keep it short and sweet, respect their time, and let them know you've looked into their work.

I'm reminded of Zig Ziglar's quote: "If you go out to find friends, you'll find they are scarce. If you go out to be a friend, you'll find them everywhere." When it comes to this, go above and beyond how you'd want someone to approach you if they knew they wanted to build a relationship with you. Be respectful in tone and of the person's time. Most importantly, be honest, be genuine, and be specific. Don't overthink it trying to do the most. Leaders seek clarity and feel most helpful when you directly state what it is about their experience or lifestyle you admire and why it's moved you in your own life. Then you can directly reference that and request time to talk more about it.

Attention is the currency of our organic intelligence. Following up with new connections parallels the concept of how an idea is worth two cents, but an idea well-executed is potentially worth millions. A new contact is only worth two cents until you follow up, make a genuine relationship based on your shared interests, do something kind that moves someone in some way, or help someone with something they'd like help on (warning: to avoid mansplaining, ask or be invited to help first, yet be attentive for that moment). And then follow up again to say, "thank you" when someone does something kind or helps you in some way, or to check in on them--"how did that thing go that you were doing the other day?".

I've found that keeping in touch is key. After reaching out, remember your connections are often busy. If they don't respond, it's not about you. Try a kind nudge or a note of thanks later on. Keep them in the loop with your growth and listen to their advice. Offer your assistance too!

Effective people management through understanding and engaging with the personal situation and desires works best. Feedback and communication are invaluable in today’s society

I've found that connecting with mentors is like making a new friend. You want to show you care about their thoughts and thank them for their time. Be real with them about what you're good at and where you need help. Listen well, ask questions that get them talking, and don't be shy to talk about your life too. Finding things you both like or believe in makes the bond stronger. Let your true self shine through, crack a joke, and let your excitement show.

Building rapport is all about listening INTENTLY. We have 2 ears and one mouth for a reason, as they say. I find the more you listen to understand rather than to respond, the easier it is to get to know someone and connect what they're sharing with you to your own life and experiences. Everyone's got a story and it's just as simple as being curious about others'. When you do that you'll find you're not asking questions randomly for the sake of filling up space, but you're also adding input about shared experiences, and ideas you think could be helpful based on what the other person has gone through, or aims to do. Being curious and listening enables you to have a more well-rounded conversation rather than one that's interview-like.

Embrace feedback for growth. It's key to learning where you can get better and what you're doing well. Sure, it can sting if it's not all positive, but stay open and ready to listen. Use it to show you're serious about growing and value your mentor's guidance. It's how you earn respect and support.

Being able to take critical feedback is a requisite to moving onward and upward in the world. It's not always easy, and sometimes the mantra "if it don't apply, then let it fly" might need to be activated if you truly feel feedback isn't in alignment with your own views. But growth isn't achieved by remaining in solitude of thought or action so get comfortable with requesting and navigating other people's feedback. You can sharpen your own ability to discern what's right and what's not. You should also stay rooted in your own internal motivation rather than external sources for validation. But asking others for feedback signals to others that you trust them as well, which is a valuable sign in and of itself.

One thing I find helpful is to aim to approach every interaction with kindness, intention, and gratitude. We generally need more kindness in the world and there's not one environment where it isn't helpful -- business or otherwise. Being intentional means being present, being attentive, and ensuring that while you're physically present you're also fully mentally locked into the experience as well so that you're not wasting anyone's time -- especially your own. And remembering to remain grateful that where you are in that moment is likely where you hoped to be at some point in the past can help to ensure you do the first 2 things mentioned. Moments in time are something we don't get back, so make the most of them.