??The Mentorship Advantage

Note from Yann: ?? Hey readers! I’m Yann, every week, I share my practical guidance from my management playbook. Today 's article the 12th edition on Mentorship.

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Want to progress your career faster?

I've got two words for you: FIND. MENTORS.

?? It's not just me saying this. The data backs me up big time:

• 76% of employees see the importance of mentorship - Source

• Of those with a mentor, 97% say they are valuable - Source

• Yet only 37% of professionals have a mentor - Source
• Mentees are 5x more likely to get promoted than those without. - Source
• And get this: mentored employees report higher job satisfaction AND salary growth. Source

?? Pretty compelling, right?

But read it again: only about 37% of professionals actually have a mentor.

So the two third of my readers doesn't have any mentor.

So, what's the hold-up? ??

Maybe it's not knowing where or how to start. It can be scary when you're not sure what to do.?

Or feeling a bit awkward about asking someone. It's frequent to be a little shy or embarrassed about asking for help or advice. Worrying about being judged or rejected.

Well, you already know it if you are a frequent reader: Now I will write that it is WAY easier than what you think.

So I write it:

It is WAAAAYYYY easier than what you think.

?? Game On

I'll share with you my actual game plan to get mentors. Let's break it down:

1?? Identify Your Needs

What is my top career goal for next year?

What specific skills or areas do I want to grow in? Am I looking to master a new technology, navigate office politics, or develop your leadership style?

What specific skills or knowledge am I lacking to reach this goal?

What kind of guidance would be most helpful (e.g., strategic, technical, emotional support)?

Be as specific as possible about your goals. This helps potential mentors understand how they can best support you.

2?? Look Around You

After identifying your specific needs, you can imagine the ideal persona for your mentor.

Ideally, you should target someone that already went through the same phase of growth in the past years.

Mentor, Go Where?

??Your current network is a goldmine!

Think colleagues, past professors, even people you admire from afar (LinkedIn is your friend here).?

Do not under-estimate the power of your secondary network, these people are only one introduction away.

Also, don't be afraid to reach out to people outside your immediate circle – you might be surprised at who's willing to help.

But this is not spray and pray, for each target you identify do some research on their background and their stories.

3?? Be Bold, Make the Ask

I always recommend going in two steps.

First, Initiate the relationship with a message where you explain both the reason of reaching out.

Here a message I actually used with success:

"Hi [Mentor Name], I'm reaching out because I’m really impressed by your work in [area of expertise, Insert actual details from your research]. I'm looking to grow in [specific skill/area] and would love to hear your insights on how to get there."

Then propose a simple coffee chat or virtual meeting. Be clear about what you're hoping to gain from the relationship and what you can offer in return.

4?? Show Gratitude

Mentorship is like a two-way street.

Mentors get satisfaction of helping others and growing their leadership skills.

Mentoring, like teaching, often goes unnoticed. Don't forget to say "thanks" for their support.

Throughout your career, make sure to continuously give your mentors a shout-out.

Even a simple handwritten thank-you note or a small gift can make a big difference.

Let them know how their advice worked out, keep them in the loop, and always follow up.

This makes them feel good and proud of what they've done.

Don't underestimate the impact. It's like the real payoff!

?????? Board of Directors

Personally do not have only one mentor.

I have like a personal "board of directors". It is a diverse group with different strengths and perspectives. They all bring their unique value to help me to grow.

Let me show you.

Currently, I have 5 mentors. The Fantastic Five.

I would not drop the names, so I’ll describe their super-hero identity ????♀?

• ????♀? The Connector: This mentor has a vast network and can open doors to new opportunities. Introducing me to people who can help me.
• ?? The Politician: This mentor understands the ins and outs of office politics and can help me navigate tricky situations.
• ??♂? The Expert: A go-to authority in my field (data, AI) to deep dives into subjects, providing knowledge that's hard to find elsewhere.
• ????♀? The Challenger: This mentor pushes me out of my comfort zone and helps me reach your full potential. My accountability partner.
• ????♀? The Cheerleader: My biggest fan. This mentor celebrates my successes, big or small, and provides much-needed support and encouragement.

Mentorship isn't just about climbing the ladder faster (though it definitely helps ??).

It's about gaining wisdom, expanding your network, and becoming the best version of you. Helping you to achieve your full potential.

Eventually, with the guidance of the right mentors, then you will become successful. Once you've achieved your goals, it's essential to pay it forward and become a mentor yourself.

So, what are you waiting for??

?? Let me know in the comments if you've had any awesome mentorship experiences or have questions about getting started.

Note from Yann: ?? Hey folks! Thanks for reading. This was the 12th edition of the Simple Leader's Playbook.

You are more than 700 subscribers from 21 countries, Thank you! ??

As always, feel free to share this with anyone who needs a little mentorship magic for their career.

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