Mentorship

Hello, and welcome to this week’s issue of Rashdan’s Huddle. Firstly, I wish everyone a Happy Chinese New Year, Gong Xi Fa Cai. I hope everyone had a joyful and enjoyable time with their loved ones.

Also, don't forget it's Valentine’s Day, so grab those chocolates and flowers and spread the love.

So, this week, I wanted to share my thoughts on mentorship and the importance of having a mentor to guide us on our professional journeys.

Do we need it?

In the fast-paced world of product management, where every decision can significantly impact the success or failure of a product, the role of mentorship cannot be overstated. As someone who has recently embarked on mentoring upcoming product managers on ADPlist, I've come to appreciate the profound impact a mentor can have on an individual's career. But what exactly is a mentor, and how crucial are they to personal and professional growth?

A mentor offers knowledge, advice, and experiences to help others grow professionally and personally. In product management, a mentor can help navigate the complexities of product strategy, development, and market launch, among other challenges. Finding a mentor can seem daunting, but knowing where to look is essential. Platforms like ADPlist are a great starting point, offering access to a global network of mentors across various industries. Networking events, professional associations, and even contacting admired professionals on LinkedIn can open doors to potential mentorship opportunities.

Personally, my mentorship started from home; I always looked up to my father, who was always my first barometer of success, having had the fortunate chance to see him not just in the office but also at home, where he would guide me on the ins and outs of how to mop the floor properly and always ensure the fringes of the carpets are always in place, or the photo frames centred. He also taught me to study effectively and efficiently (although I was a late bloomer, I only really appreciated his advice as I entered university).

But as I progressed through my career, I have been blessed to have good mentors, not just colleagues but specifically some good managers. A specific example I would like to recall is when I was a young associate in a management consultancy firm. I had two mentors with two distinct styles - a “throw you in the deep end” approach and a more systematic “teaching” approach. There is no right or wrong; it's all about the lessons and insight you will gain and how to leverage and push your experiences forward.

How do you select a mentor?

Choosing the right mentor is crucial. Look for someone whose career path or expertise aligns with your aspirations. It's not just about their successes; a good mentor is someone who has faced challenges and learned from them. They should be someone you respect and can see yourself learning from. They must also have the time and willingness to commit to your development. When considering a mentor, consider their communication style, mentorship philosophy, and whether their experience is relevant to your goals.

When starting a new job, have all these in mind and even discuss this with your manager. Be proactive as sometimes there is no “formal” arrangement; you perhaps have to “pick your target” and approach them, considering all the factors mentioned above. Sometimes, having informal sessions works as well. Dont be afraid to seek mentors out.

What do you do with your mentor?

With your mentor, you can discuss career aspirations, tackle specific workplace challenges, and seek advice on professional development. It's also an opportunity to gain insights into industry trends, best practices, and leadership skills. Setting clear goals for what you want to achieve from the mentorship can help guide these discussions and ensure both parties find the relationship fulfilling.

Here are some basic Dos and Dont’s:

Do:

• Set clear objectives for what you want to achieve through mentorship.

• Be respectful of your mentor's time and commitment.

• Be open to feedback, even when it's challenging to hear.

• Actively engage in the relationship by preparing for meetings and following up on advice or tasks.

Don't:

• Expect your mentor to have all the answers. They're there to guide you, not to make decisions for you.

• Rely solely on your mentor for professional growth. Use their guidance as one of many tools in your development.

• Forget to give back. Share your progress and achievements with your mentor, and consider how you might support them.

In conclusion, mentorship is an invaluable tool for personal and professional development, especially in a field as dynamic and challenging as product management. Whether you're just starting your career or looking to scale new heights, the right mentor can provide the guidance, support, and perspective needed to navigate your journey successfully. As we continue to mentor and be mentored, we contribute to our growth and the strengthening of our professional communities. So, do we need mentorship? Absolutely. It's not just about climbing the career ladder; it's about building ladders for others to climb, too.

Here is also a selfish plug to my ADP mentorship profile - https://adplist.org/mentors/rashdan-harith. Feel free to have a look, and let's book a session so we can catch up.

Thank you for reading, and I’ll see you all next week.