"Get a mentor" is the most common career advice you’ll hear,
But it only works if you know how to be a great mentee.
Having mentored hundreds of people, top mentees do these four things exceptionally well:
1/ Respect their mentor's time
Mentors are sharing their most valuable asset—their time. Show respect by coming prepared, keeping track of actions, and managing the meeting efficiently.
2/ Provide context
A mentor can only help as much as they understand your challenges, goals, and situation. Be clear about what you need and share enough background to make their advice actionable and applicable.
3/ Listen with openness
Feedback isn’t always easy to hear. Great mentees embrace the discomfort of being challenged and are willing to consider new perspectives.
4/ Take action and close the loop
Prove their advice matters by putting it into practice—and follow up to share the
results. Share your wins (big or small). Express gratitude. This builds trust and demonstrates your commitment to growth.
Your success as a mentee directly impacts your mentor's willingness to invest in your growth.
What’s the best advice a mentor has ever given you?
PS: The secret of great mentors? They never stop being great mentees.
My colleagues Steve Huynh, Rajdeep Saha, and Ethan Evans are all sharing insights on being a great mentee today. Check out their perspectives.
