What do you do if your project manager mentor doesn't understand your career goals?

Having a courageous conversation with the manager in an empathetic tone is mandatory, sooner rather than later. If you postpone it there it will be awkward as your mentor will certainly ask why didn't you speak up earlier. In this conversation you start off, appreciating what your mentor is sharing and then take the responsibility that you may have not been clear enough on your career goals and take the time to express your goals once again with your mentor. At the end of the conversation ensure that your mentor understands your goals by letting him or her paraphrase your goals in his or her own words, in order to avoid any misunderstanding or miscommunication.

Seeking clarity on your career path as a project manager? Here's a plan to follow. Start with an open chat with your mentor, sharing your aspirations and seeking their insights. Identify skill gaps together and craft a growth plan. Expand your network for varied perspectives and consider a second mentor aligned with your goals. Take the lead in your mentorship, actively engaging and embracing feedback. With proactive communication and mentor support, you'll confidently navigate your career journey.

Seeking alignment with your mentor on your career journey? Here's a guide. Start with a candid chat, expressing your aspirations and seeking insights. Collaborate to pinpoint skill gaps and craft a growth plan. Explore a second mentor for diverse perspectives. Be proactive, communicate openly, and tap into your mentor's expertise.

Absolutely, aligning expectations is crucial for a successful mentorship relationship. By discussing how you can work together based on insights gained from previous conversations, you can set mutual goals and establish a clear plan for moving forward. This includes determining how often you'll check in on progress and what specific outcomes you hope to achieve. Ensuring that both mentor and mentee are aligned and committed to a common purpose lays a strong foundation for a productive and fulfilling mentorship experience.

Here are some low-risk alternatives I have seen work well. 1) Job Shadowing: Arrange to spend a day or two observing someone in a role or function that interests you. You'll get valuable insights into the day-to-day responsibilities and required skills. 2) Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in your desired field and request a brief informational interview. Use this to ask questions, learn about their career journey, and gain a deeper understanding of the industry and career options. 3) Short-Term Projects or Secondments: Can you take on a short-term project or temporary assignment in a different department or function? You'll get exposure to new skills, responsibilities, and ways of working that may align better.

Your professional network can be invaluable for gaining diverse perspectives and insights, especially when your mentor may not fully understand your career goals. Connecting with colleagues, industry contacts, and online communities related to your field can offer valuable support and guidance. By tapping into these networks, you can access a wealth of knowledge and potentially find someone who has faced similar challenges and can offer relevant advice. Remember, networking is not just about finding new opportunities; it's also about building a supportive community that can help you navigate your career journey more effectively.