What do you do if you need guidance from mentors or senior leaders to advance your career?

First, take time for self-reflection. What are your career aspirations? Do you crave technical expertise or leadership development? Identifying your goals will help you target mentors or sponsors who align with your vision. Perhaps you seek someone who navigated a similar career path. Once you know your goals, research potential mentors. Look within your company, industry events, or online communities. Seek individuals who inspire you and whose experience complements your needs. Don't be afraid to approach them - most leaders are happy to share their knowledge and help others grow. If you don't have a pre-existing connection, see if a colleague can make an introduction. Be clear about your career goals and respectful of their time.

Networking is indeed a multifaceted skill that combines both innate drive and learned behaviors. While it's challenging to teach someone to have that inherent motivation, aspects like overcoming fear of vulnerability and honing communication skills can be developed. Persistence is crucial, but there's a fine line between being persistent and becoming annoying. Finding that balance is key. And you're right, seasoned professionals often appreciate the eagerness of potential candidates, recognizing it as a sign of enthusiasm and ambition.

Identifying your goals and needs is crucial for effective career advancement. Take time to reflect on your aspirations, strengths, and areas for growth. Consider what you want to achieve in the short and long term, both professionally and personally. Assess your skills and competencies, as well as any gaps that may hinder your progress. Be specific and realistic in setting your goals, ensuring they align with your values and ambitions. By understanding your goals and needs, you can better articulate them to mentors and senior leaders, enabling them to provide tailored guidance and support on your career journey.

Create yourself a "Personal Board of Directors"! Mine includes my wife, and mentors both within my organization and industry professionals. Both technical and soft skills are important. Be coachable.

Firstly, I would reflect on myself to know in what areas do I need mentorship. I would analyse my goals. Then, I would start looking for such mentors through social media or in social events. I would gradually build relationship with them and honestly seek for their guidance and I believe there are many mentors and senior leaders out there who would be willing to mentor the young talents. And the most important part is to maintain that mentorship by showing gratitude for the guidance they provided. This would help me in advancing my career. It all depends upon the efforts you take to reach out them for the guidance without any hesitation.

Send a thoughtful message or email expressing your admiration for their work and requesting a brief meeting or call for advice. For instance, you could write, "I’ve been inspired by your career progression and success in [specific area], and I’d greatly appreciate any advice you could share on how to advance my career in this field."

In my experience, it's crucial to find mentors who share your values and believe in your potential. Authentic connections with mentors who genuinely support you are more valuable than pursuing relationships based solely on status. Thorough research and selectivity are key; understanding potential mentors' achievements, interests, and values ensures alignment. Seeking recommendations from trusted colleagues can also provide valuable insights. Ultimately, mentorship should be mutually beneficial, where both parties support each other's growth. When mentors believe in you and align with your vision, they'll naturally invest their time and expertise to help you succeed.

(Look for Alignment): Internal network: Look for senior leaders or colleagues within your company who possess the expertise and experience you seek. External network: Consider industry professionals, alumni from your educational institutions, or connections through professional organizations. Alignment is key: Seek mentors who share your values and work style. You'll build a more productive and supportive relationship.

Think about exactly what it is you need Prepare your approach Prepare questions Seek out/ identify the leader or mentor Approach them explaining why you have chosen them Ask them if they are willing to help you with your issue Suggest only taking up x amount of time initially, so they can help think it through even if they can’t commit longer term Ask them if they can suggest anyone else But there’s no need to be afraid to ask.. not many do, and it shows initiative and proactivity

Seeking Mentoring from people you admire esp on areas that are your development need, is serious business. 3 things matter when you reach out to your preferred mentors 1. Do your home work in terms of mapping your Dev needs to the strength of the future mentor 2. Be clear of your end goals. Eg. you want to hone your storytelling skills. you identify with 2 Leaders in your larger ecosystem who you believe can share their techniques and guide you with sharpening your style and provide opportunities to practice them. Be clear of what you expect from them. Dont confuse the mentor. 3. Demonstrate that you are ready to work hard based on agreed roadmap/actions. 4. Leverare chatgpt to draft a note that conveys the message appropriately

Genuine guidance is important for great success, as experience matters. To seek such guidance, first, identify individuals whose expertise aligns with your career goals. Reach out with a clear agenda, demonstrating your commitment and readiness to learn. Utilize various communication channels, such as one-on-one meetings, networking events, or virtual platforms, to engage with them effectively. Be proactive in seeking feedback and advice, while also respecting their time and boundaries. Build genuine lasting relationships based on mutual trust and respect, fostering a supportive mentorship dynamic. Lastly, leverage their insights and experiences to refine your career strategy, develop new skills, and navigate challenges confidently.

Building a genuine relationship with your mentor and sponsor requires effort and authenticity. It starts by listening and showing interest in their experiences and advice. Be open and honest about your goals, challenges, and progress. Seek feedback and act upon it to demonstrate your commitment to growth. Remember to show appreciation for their guidance and support by expressing gratitude for them taking their time to help develop you. Establish regular communication and maintain a consistent presence. Be reliable, respectful, and responsive. Most importantly, offer assistance or share resources in return when appropriate.

Express genuine interest in learning from their experiences and insights. Seek opportunities to engage with them in professional settings, such as networking events or industry conferences. Show appreciation for their expertise and guidance, demonstrating humility and a willingness to listen. As the relationship progresses, maintain regular communication and seek their advice on specific career challenges or opportunities. Foster trust and rapport by following through on commitments and demonstrating integrity in all interactions. By investing time and effort in building these relationships, you can establish a strong foundation for long-term mentorship and career development.

One thing I always tried to practice was, what am I seeking from them and why they are uniquely qualified for that perspective. Many time people are busy and make decisions on how they spend their most valuable asset, their time... so make sure you stand out.. and you value their time and unique expertise.

(Be Genuine and Respectful): Personalized approach: Don't send generic requests. Research your potential mentor's background and tailor your outreach message accordingly. Offer value: Highlight how a mentorship with you could be mutually beneficial. Perhaps you can offer to assist them with a specific task or share your own expertise in another area. Respect their time: Be mindful of their busy schedules. Suggest a brief call or informational interview to start.

Be selective in who you choose to mentor you. Mentors are best for “what may you become” not necessarily “how you may become it”. Not too sure whether the paradigm of corporate mentorship still holds… professional mentoring has become far more critical these days as we find too many people trying to find a shortcut to success via recommendations rather than developing themselves to be more “Effective” professionals…. Burdens of popularity contests I suppose… just my cent in the hat.

??If you need guidance from mentors or senior leaders to advance your career, you can start by identifying individuals whose expertise aligns with your career goals. ??Reach out to them directly to request a mentorship or guidance meeting. ??Be clear about what you hope to learn or achieve, and be respectful of their time. ??Consider joining professional networks or organizations where you can connect with potential mentors or seek advice from senior leaders in your field.

Initiate the dialogue by articulating specific areas of development or challenges faced, demonstrating self-awareness and a proactive stance towards growth. Actively listen to their insights, drawing upon their wealth of experience and expertise to inform strategic decision-making. Implement their recommendations with diligence and agility, showcasing an eagerness to adapt and evolve. Maintain open lines of communication, fostering a reciprocal exchange of knowledge and fostering a collaborative environment conducive to mutual success. By cultivating meaningful relationships with mentors and senior leaders, one not only gains invaluable guidance but also establishes a robust network poised to champion professional advancement.

(Be Proactive and Engaged): Come prepared: Have specific questions ready for your meetings or discussions. Don't expect them to provide a roadmap without direction. Be receptive to feedback: Listen attentively to their insights and actively seek their guidance on challenges you're facing. Show progress: Keep your mentor updated on your efforts to implement their advice and demonstrate your commitment to growth.

Ask for say a 20 minutes coffee session with a mentor. Ask for his or her perception of your strengths and Weaknesses. Seek suggestion to build upon strength and mitigate weakness.

Mentoring is an amazing relationship that makes both parties richer! Authenticity, compassion and result orientation when demonstrated through out the relationship can lead to people becoming strong career champions for each other. Know that “what you will give, you will receive” in terms of relationship value.

(Express Gratitude): Regular communication: Maintain regular contact, even if brief. Update them on your progress or share relevant industry news. Express appreciation: Thank your mentor for their time and investment in your development. Offer support in return: Look for opportunities to reciprocate their support by connecting them with others or offering assistance when you can.

Remember that a mentor becomes a stakeholder in your career. They can hold sway and influence your leadership journey as you strengthen the mentee/mentor relationship. They will get to know you personally and professionally (you are one person; please don't separate the two) and speak of you when you are 'not' in the room. This helps cast your net farther and wider than just your mentor's space, creating more visibility for you. Know that this ripple effect can have an incredible effect on your future leadership journey.

In addition to being prepared and committed, the mentor-mentee relationship must be built upon certain factors including: Trust and respect. Open and honest communication. Flexibility and understanding of other perspectives.

Cultivating a lasting relationship with a mentor or sponsor are really key. Regularly updating them on progress, hurdles, and future steps to keep in sync and progressing are important. As well as showing appreciation for their guidance by reciprocating support, sharing insights, or recognizing their impact on your growth. Overall, embracing their feedback and constructive criticism with an open mind, ready to learn and evolve is what makes it worthwhile for them. They want to see their mentee grow.

Advancing in your career frequently relies on the advice of mentors and senior leaders. However, there are other methods you can use to improve your success and encourage your development. While mentors & senior leaders offer valuable insights, expanding your network to include professionals from various industries & backgrounds can provide fresh perspectives and new opportunities for career advancement. Continuous learning and skill development are crucial to staying relevant and competitive in your field. Look for opportunities to enhance your skills through workshops, courses, and certifications to broaden your expertise. Review and adjust your goals regularly based on your progress and aspirations to ensure you're on the right path.

Don't limit yourself to one mentor: Seek guidance from a diverse group of mentors who can offer different perspectives and expertise. Mentorship programs: Many companies offer formal mentorship programs. Explore these opportunities within your organization. Professional organizations: Industry associations or professional groups sometimes connect members with mentors. By taking these steps and actively seeking mentorship, you can gain valuable guidance from experienced individuals who can support you in achieving your career goals. Remember, a successful mentorship is a two-way street. Be proactive, respectful, and show your commitment to learning and growth.

Besides seeking advice from mentors and senior leaders to boost your career, think about other stuff too. Make connections with different people to get various viewpoints. Keep learning about what's happening in your field to stay ahead. Take time to think about what you're good at and what you need to work on. Don't forget to chill out sometimes, balancing work with life is important. And always be ready to try new things and adapt to whatever comes your way :)

Ein Mentor kann einem Mentee zwar auf vielf?ltige Weise Unterstützung bieten, aber es gibt bestimmte Dinge, die ein Mentor einem Mentee nicht abnehmen kann. Ein Mentor kann als Unterstützer, Ratgeber und Coach dienen, aber letztendlich liegt es am Mentee, seine eigene Entwicklung voranzutreiben und die Verantwortung für sein berufliches Wachstum zu übernehmen.

I always tell my friends and people I get to serve as their mentor, that you don't necessarily need mentoring; rather, you need discipline.