How can you grow and maintain a product manager mentorship program?

1 Define your goals and expectations

Before you start looking for a mentor or a mentee, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve from the relationship. What are your specific learning objectives, career aspirations, and personal preferences? How much time and effort are you willing to invest in the program? What kind of feedback and support are you looking for? By defining your goals and expectations, you can narrow down your search and find a match that suits your needs and style.

2 Find a mentor or a mentee

There are many ways to find a mentor or a mentee in the product management field. You can leverage your existing network, join online communities, attend events, or use platforms that connect product professionals. When you find a potential partner, make sure to check their background, experience, and availability. You can also ask for referrals, testimonials, or samples of their work. Don't be afraid to reach out and introduce yourself, and explain why you are interested in the program.

3 Establish a structure and a plan

Once you have found a mentor or a mentee, you need to set some ground rules and a plan for the program. How often will you meet and communicate? What format and tools will you use? What topics and projects will you cover? How will you measure your progress and outcomes? How will you handle conflicts or issues? By establishing a structure and a plan, you can create a clear and consistent framework for the program, and avoid misunderstandings or disappointments.

4 Build trust and rapport

A successful product manager mentorship program is based on trust and rapport between the partners. You need to respect each other's time, opinions, and boundaries. You need to communicate openly, honestly, and constructively. You need to listen actively, ask questions, and provide feedback. You need to show appreciation, recognition, and support. By building trust and rapport, you can foster a positive and productive relationship that enhances your learning and growth.

5 Seek feedback and improvement

A product manager mentorship program is not a one-way street. Both mentors and mentees can benefit from seeking feedback and improvement throughout the program. You can ask for feedback on your performance, skills, and goals. You can also give feedback on the program itself, and suggest ways to improve it. You can use surveys, ratings, reviews, or testimonials to collect and share feedback. You can also use data, metrics, or evidence to track and demonstrate your improvement.

6 Celebrate and continue

A product manager mentorship program is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process that requires commitment and adaptation. You need to celebrate your achievements and milestones, and acknowledge your challenges and learnings. You need to continue to learn, grow, and share your insights with others. You can also expand your network, join new programs, or switch roles. By celebrating and continuing, you can make the most of your product manager mentorship program, and keep the cycle of learning alive.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?