What do you do if you want to connect with mentors in operational planning?

1 Identify your goals and needs

Before you start looking for mentors, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to learn and achieve from the relationship. Do you want to develop specific skills, gain insights into best practices, or get feedback on your projects? Do you need guidance on career development, problem-solving, or leadership? Write down your goals and needs and use them as criteria to narrow down your search for mentors.

3 Reach out and build rapport

Once you have identified a few potential mentors, you need to reach out to them and express your interest in learning from them. You can send them an email, a message, or a connection request, depending on the platform. Be polite, concise, and respectful. Introduce yourself, explain why you are interested in operational planning, and what you hope to gain from a mentoring relationship. Also, mention something specific that you admire or appreciate about their work or achievements. Avoid asking for too much time or commitment upfront. Instead, suggest a short and informal conversation to get to know each other and see if there is a fit.

4 Follow up and maintain communication

If a potential mentor agrees to talk to you, make sure you prepare well for the conversation. Have some questions ready, listen actively, and show gratitude and enthusiasm. After the conversation, follow up with a thank-you note and a summary of what you learned and what you plan to do next. Keep in touch with your mentor by updating them on your progress, asking for feedback, or sharing relevant resources. Remember that mentoring is a two-way relationship, so be respectful of your mentor's time, preferences, and boundaries. Also, try to offer some value or support to your mentor whenever possible.

5 Evaluate and evolve

As you continue to connect with your mentor, you should evaluate the effectiveness and satisfaction of the relationship. Are you achieving your goals and needs? Are you getting along well with your mentor? Are you both clear on the expectations and responsibilities of the relationship? If you encounter any issues or challenges, communicate them openly and respectfully and try to resolve them together. If the relationship is not working out, you can end it gracefully and thank your mentor for their time and support. On the other hand, if the relationship is going well, you can evolve it by setting new goals, exploring new topics, or expanding your network.