020: The Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Mentorship

Oct 2, 2019

Digital Enterprise Society is the authority on the transformation to a digital enterprise, impacting all areas of an organization. Tune in for discussions among industry leaders about operations and action needed to drive digitization principles forward for the future of product development and life cycles. 

 

On this episode Thom Singer is joined by Marny Lifshen, marketing communications consultant, author and speaker, to discuss the value of mentorship.  With over 50 years of experience between them, Thom and Marny have each had experiences as both mentors and mentees that have shaped their careers in countless positive ways.  They discuss what a mentor can do for anyone at any stage in their career, how to show up as the best mentee possible, and how mentors can work as a crucial part of a solid and impactful network for your career. 

 

On today’s podcast, you will learn:

 

What you can expect from your mentor

• Don’t expect a mentor to tell you you’re doing everything right.
• Constructive criticism provides opportunities for meaningful growth.
• Honest feedback and direction will help shape your career path.

 

Where to find your next mentor

• Look for informal mentors from workplace relationships.
• Identify people you trust and can be open to receive advice and criticism from. 
• Connect with the younger generation for advice on a skillset you are lacking. 
• Look outside your industry/organization for less specific but potentially more insightful career advice.

 

How can you be a quality mentee?

• Identify what you hope to gain from interactions with your mentors. 
• Follow up with your mentor after they have offered their advice. 
• Commit to driving the mentor/mentee relationship early on. 
• Contribute in whatever way you can to bring value to the relationship.

 

Why should you want to be a mentor?

• Reflect on the mentors that have brought you where you are in your career.
• Mentorship is a highly effective networking strategy.
• The best career guidance doesn’t only come from a specific age, experience or job title. 
• Everyone has something to learn and something to teach. 

 

Continue the conversation with us within the Digital Enterprise Society Community at www.DigitalEnterpriseSociety.org.

 

Sponsor: 

Today’s podcast is brought to you by The Digital Enterprise Society.