How to structure a proper tech or

media mentorshipProduct Development Insights Conference

Friday 30 March 12@tyahma

Why mentor?

The primary reason for the mentor: to pass along

specialized knowledge that comes from experience.

Why get a mentor?

If you don’t know everything, like these two, having a mentor provides time-saving insight, career

advancement

Tactically, as a mentee.

Be on time, respect your mentor’s time (no more

than two (2) hours a month), and send ‘thank

you’ notes on time.

The relationship

Like all things, mentoring is a relationship, and in my

view, it has four dimensions. Each dimensions has

different value.

First act Career advice

How to be efficient at work, what careers to pursue, how

to change careers, how to work in areas where you

have passion.

Second act Contract and negotiation advice

Negotiating a new job offer, negotiating a raise,

negotiating anything.

Third act Managing up

and downStaff, peers and supervisors: everyone needs help here,

as company and interpersonal dynamics are

complex.

Fourth act Introductions

Introductions to others for insight is the best way to grow your skillsets. Well-connected mentors can

help.

No one likes blind introductions.

How much does a mentorship cost?

Not as much as Paul Wall’s grill(e). Mentoring shouldn’t cost more than a cup of coffee.

Why mentees get fired.

Messing up intros, lack of follow up, being

inconsiderate, wasting/not respecting other’s time.

What do if you are

fired.Don’t resort to

cannibalism. Get your act together,

and re-apply yourself. Learn

from your mistake(s).

A quick overview of why I mentor.

Other’s helped me out when I was younger. Perhaps not this young, when someone could have helped me out with a barber.

I went to Haverford.These

people look like they are relaxing and

talking. They are actually arguing,

nicely. It was built into the

culture.

Someone took me under their wing.

Soma Golden-Behr, who didn’t know me from a hole in the wall, talked me out of my direct style, which was abrasive.

I learned how to speak diplomatically and how to convey my

point of view in a digestible manner.

Most of the time.

Is a mentor right for you?

Are Levain Bakery cookies right for you? Yes, depending on the time. Mentoring is the same.

If you want to be efficient, save time, and be proactive about your career, I can’t think of a

better way to do it.

How do you find

mentors?

Ask people who show an interest in you. Ask your friends who already have mentors.

Getting a mentor is the best way to navigate the shoals of work.

If you don’t do it, your co-workers are.

Supervisors sometimes can be mentors.

Mentoring is a great way for you to help others, for the sole benefit of helping

others.

Thank you. I am here all week. Tell your friends. @tyahma