What was the last thing you discussed with your mentor? Was it a quick question about a task, or perhaps seeking feedback on a design document? While these interactions are valuable, they barely scratch the surface of what mentorship can offer. This approach, though common, often results in classic mentor under-utilization.
1. Force yourself to say something / anything early on in the discussion.
Honestly, nobody cares if you happen to say something absolutely garbage. Very likely, it won't be garbage.
Speaking once helps stop the overthinking. It makes you more comfortable sharing your thoughts thereafter
2. If you are wondering about something or something isn't clear to you, it is likely not clear to others in the room.
Most people are nervous telling the world that they do not understand.
Go ahead and help set the context by asking some clarifying questions.
3. It is ok to sound stupid rather than be stupid by not knowing what is going on.
You can always go back to a previous conversation if it is important. Just acknowledge that you missed the opportunity to add this before, but you want to go back to the previous one as it is important.
4. If you get interrupted many times, do the same but politely. People won't mind. Everyone is just very excited about the topic.
Top-notch tips for getting the most out of your mentor.
I like #4 and #5 the most. Your mentor is one of the best people to ask about your blind spots, and then learning from how they do things can make you sooo much more productive.
What I'd highlight I read here, and I agree thinking from my own experience, is that we need to build a relationship of trust.
It's easy to go and ask for a WHAT, something technical.
It's hard to talk about aspirations, struggles, and things we don't see. We are uncomfortable and we give control to the other person rather than directing the conversation.
I think of my PI as my mentor but I haven't really established a relationship with him, just transactional stuff like you said.
I'll try to improve that thanks Raviraj
Would love to see How to Use Your Mentee Effectively as well.
Yea, a few variations of those are planned. :)
Thanks for the tips!
About point# 3, what were some of the actionable items you followed, which helped you responding in larger meetings? Can you pls share.
This is what I was told:
1. Force yourself to say something / anything early on in the discussion.
Honestly, nobody cares if you happen to say something absolutely garbage. Very likely, it won't be garbage.
Speaking once helps stop the overthinking. It makes you more comfortable sharing your thoughts thereafter
2. If you are wondering about something or something isn't clear to you, it is likely not clear to others in the room.
Most people are nervous telling the world that they do not understand.
Go ahead and help set the context by asking some clarifying questions.
3. It is ok to sound stupid rather than be stupid by not knowing what is going on.
You can always go back to a previous conversation if it is important. Just acknowledge that you missed the opportunity to add this before, but you want to go back to the previous one as it is important.
4. If you get interrupted many times, do the same but politely. People won't mind. Everyone is just very excited about the topic.
From an old article of mine - https://newsletter.techleadmentor.com/p/why-dont-i-speak-up
Thanks for taking the time to respond. It helps!
Top-notch tips for getting the most out of your mentor.
I like #4 and #5 the most. Your mentor is one of the best people to ask about your blind spots, and then learning from how they do things can make you sooo much more productive.
Thanks for sharing this, Raviraj!
Thanks Jordan! It is magical how others can find out blind spots. It helped me a lot.
What is in it for the Mentor to invest his time and energy for me?
What I'd highlight I read here, and I agree thinking from my own experience, is that we need to build a relationship of trust.
It's easy to go and ask for a WHAT, something technical.
It's hard to talk about aspirations, struggles, and things we don't see. We are uncomfortable and we give control to the other person rather than directing the conversation.