How can you manage multiple mentor relationships in Operational Planning?

2 Set clear expectations and goals

The second step to managing multiple mentor relationships is to set clear expectations and goals with each mentor. You need to communicate what you want to learn from them, how often you want to meet, what format you prefer, and how you will measure your progress. You also need to respect their availability, preferences, and boundaries, and avoid imposing on their time or resources. By setting clear expectations and goals, you can ensure that both you and your mentors are on the same page and have a mutual understanding of the purpose and value of the relationship.

3 Keep track of your interactions and feedback

The third step to managing multiple mentor relationships is to keep track of your interactions and feedback with each mentor. You need to document what you discuss, what you learn, what you apply, and what results you achieve. You also need to collect and review the feedback you receive from each mentor, and identify the key takeaways, action steps, and improvement areas. By keeping track of your interactions and feedback, you can avoid confusion, duplication, or contradiction, and ensure that you are integrating and applying the knowledge and skills you gain from each mentor.

5 Balance your input and output

The fifth step to managing multiple mentor relationships is to balance your input and output. You don't want to be a passive or a reactive learner who only listens or responds to what your mentors say or do. Instead, you want to be an active and a proactive learner who initiates, contributes, and shares your own thoughts, questions, and experiences. You also want to balance the amount of information and guidance you receive from your mentors with the amount of action and implementation you take on your own. By balancing your input and output, you can avoid information overload, dependency, or inertia, and ensure that you are making the most of your mentor relationships.

6 Appreciate and acknowledge your mentors

The sixth and final step to managing multiple mentor relationships is to appreciate and acknowledge your mentors. You need to express your gratitude, respect, and recognition for the time, effort, and wisdom they invest in your development. You also need to provide them with feedback, updates, and outcomes that show them the impact and value of their mentorship. By appreciating and acknowledging your mentors, you can strengthen your rapport, trust, and loyalty with them, and foster a long-lasting and mutually beneficial relationship.

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?