Hey there,

Finding a great mentor can be a game-changing element of your Career Development Plan. You know finding a mentor is important—everyone says so—but how do you actually do it?

Read on for highlights from the best playbook out there, which happens to be from a cybersecurity expert. It doesn’t directly reference but is supported by some Harvard Business Review articles here and here with everything you need to know to create mentor success.

Then come join Study GRC with squad leader Chris Whitlock and crew on August 28 at 7:30 PM ET, for real world examples and a discussion of dos and don’ts.

Hope to see you there!

Steve

Contents

• 4 Types of Mentors 👥👥

  • 1. Coach

  • 2. Sponsor

  • 3. Connector

  • 4. Reverse Mentor

• Dos and Don’ts 🟢 ⚠️ ⛔

  • Dos:

  • Don’ts:

• 4 Phases of a Mentoring Relationship 🔄

  • 1. Relationship Building

  • 2. Tactical

  • 3. Strategic

  • 4. Closing

• Troubleshooting 🛠️

• Find a Win-Win 🤝, Outside Your Comfort Zone

4 Types of Mentors 👥👥

1. Coach

A coach helps you improve performance related to a specific issue. Think of quarterbacking your first audit or delivering top 5 cybersecurity risks executive presentation.

2. Sponsor

Sponsors are senior figures who use their social capital and influence to advocate for you, increase your visibility within the organization, and open doors to help you advance.

3. Connector

Instead of just offering direct advice or guidance, a connector leverages their network to create introductions and facilitate relationships that can provide you with new perspectives, skills, or opportunities.

4. Reverse Mentor

Reverse mentoring flips the traditional model. Junior employees mentor senior ones, often sharing digital skills or new perspectives.

Dos and Don’ts 🟢 ⚠️ ⛔

Dos:

• Prepare: Send an agenda in advance. Bonus points if you send a <5 minute Loom video walking through it.

• Clarify what you need: Be specific about what you’re looking for in a mentor.

• Choose wisely: Select someone whose expertise aligns with your goals.

• Mind your mentor’s time: Be respectful and efficient in your interactions.

• Be engaged and energizing: Show enthusiasm and commitment.

Don’ts:

• Don’t overuse flattery: Genuine respect is good; excessive praise is not.

• Don’t ask vague questions: Be specific in your requests.

• Don’t succumb to starstruck Padawan instincts: Approach them as a future peer.

• Don’t give them work: Show that you’ve done your homework.

4 Phases of a Mentoring Relationship 🔄 

1. Relationship Building

In the first meeting, share expectations and objectives. Determine the type of mentor relationship (coach, sponsor, or connector) and discuss your development goals.

2. Tactical

The mentee drives the agenda. Come prepared, show that you’ve done the work, and ask for feedback on something you’ve created. Make your Career Development Plan the focus.

3. Strategic

Discuss long-term vision and mission. Set Big Hairy Audacious Goals (BHAGs) and imagine different futures. What will have changed when you reach your goals?

4. Closing

Reflect on progress made and discuss next steps.

Troubleshooting 🛠️ 

Good mentor relationships are built on:

• Purpose: Is there a clear objective? Is it a win-win?

• Communication: Are both parties staying focused?

• Trust: Is there a safe space for open dialogue?

• Process: Is the mentee putting in the work? Is the mentor?

• Progress: Are goals being met? Is feedback being given?

Find a Win-Win 🤝, Outside Your Comfort Zone

Mentorship is a powerful tool for career development, but it requires effort and strategy. Getting outside your comfort zone is where the magic happens.

By understanding the types of mentors, following the phases of a mentoring relationship, and adhering to the dos and don’ts, you can build a successful mentorship that’s a win-win.

Happy mentor hunting!

Views expressed are my own.