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Gotta Mentor

A group for early and mid-career professionals looking to get or give career advice.

Feel free to ask questions of each other or just lurk. A lot of great advice for job seekers can be found at gottamentor.com

Network Leader: Andrea Rice
 
JenG Having trouble getting recognized for your efforts? Following the most common advice for up-and-comers can get you stuck in your position for decades, until you're so beat down you stop trying. Once I developed more nuanced strategies, everything changed. Of course, by that time, I wasn't even sure a promotion was what I wanted. But I did know I wanted to set the direction of my career myself. Here's what I learned: 7 Lies That Undercut Your Chances Of Promotion http://t.co/CFQlvET

49 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor, Professional Development, Creating a Life You Love and Career Rocketeer2 more

Marty Lake: This is really a very intuitive look at some sacred cows in the career growth industry. With all the self-help gurus out there, it really has ...MoreThis is really a very intuitive look at some sacred cows in the career growth industry. With all the self-help gurus out there, it really has become an industry!

Really well written and very genuine. I remain hopeful that people will start to wake up and realize what this whole thing is all about - that it was always about the music and we were supposed to be singing and dancing the whole time.

A big step IMO to living a more fulfilling life is to decide what life you want to live and then get busy doing it. Allowing anyone else but yourself to define that for you is setting yourself up for a life of unintended misery. I feel you really brought that out in a very clear and succinct way in this article.

If a McMansion is what drives a person, then this article will not resonate. However, in my own home, I can point to many things I've built myself, being totally free and creative, while the superstars were traveling the world working 16 hour days away from their families, looking for that elusive next rung on the ladder. I just prefer to build my own ladder. :)

45 weeks ago
JenG: Thanks, Marty. I think it's possible that someone out there could be fulfilled by a McMansion, and if so, great. Go for it. I completely agree ...MoreThanks, Marty. I think it's possible that someone out there could be fulfilled by a McMansion, and if so, great. Go for it. I completely agree that success is something you have to define for yourself, and there's no right (or wrong) answer. But so few of us spend the time really thinking about what it is we want (and how that feels--no experience makes it hard), it's easy to get sidetracked.

Thanks for the kind words on the post, Marty. Appreciate it. Hope you'll join me at Everyday Bright from time to time. I'm always looking for luminaries (what I call my readers, which is fitting because they're so smart and thoughtful!). :)

45 weeks ago
 
JenG When you look for a mentor, do you immediate shoot for the top of the food chain? Are you confusing networking for learning? After participating on both sides of the mentoring equation, both formally and informally, for the last 20 years, here are the top 10 qualities I advise people to look for in a mentor. Is yours measuring up? Don't Gamble With Your Career: How To Find The Right Mentor http://t.co/cqTwbUY

67 weeks ago from Career Rocketeer, Personal Development, Professional Development, Gotta Mentor and Job Resources and Career Coaching3 more

Megan Atkinson: A new question: If your company has a corporate mentor program with new matches each year, is it appropriate to still knock on the door of the ...MoreA new question: If your company has a corporate mentor program with new matches each year, is it appropriate to still knock on the door of the mentor from last year? I really loved my 2010 mentor and he really "speaks my language". My new mentor, though I have not met with her yet, is really approachable and kind but sometimes I need my 2010 guy to give me a swift verbal kick in the behind. Would it be a 'no-no' to go to one mentor for some things and another for others?
66 weeks ago
JenG: Cheryl- I agree with the idea that informal mentoring relationships have been around for ages and work well. I think the problem is that many do ...MoreCheryl- I agree with the idea that informal mentoring relationships have been around for ages and work well. I think the problem is that many do not feel confident enough to seek out a mentor or are confused on how to turn a workplace contact into one (maybe they had a meeting with a more senior co-worker, but no longer have formal business to keep the relationship going). The last place I worked, the head of the organization decided to randomly call a bunch of junior folks and ask if they had mentors: 75% said no. So formal mentorship were an answer to this problem, and they did give everyone who wanted a mentor someone they could point to, but it didn't really help. As you say, synergy is important, but it's not even a criteria in most mentor programs. So one has to do for themselves, and this post was meant to help that person.

Megan- I would be surprised if they minded if you stopped by for your verbal kick in the pants, but you know what I'll say. Just ask them! :)

66 weeks ago
 
JenG I'm curious about mentors and career change. I've had a number of terrific mentors over my career, but they were all interested in keeping me along my original trajectory (which also aligned with theirs). When I decided to do something completely different, they didn't know how to help me anymore. What's your experience with career change? Do you have someone advising you on how to make the right decisions for YOU? Or do you find your mentors can't really advise beyond their own experience?

76 weeks ago from Career Changers, Creating a Life You Love, Gotta Mentor, Professional Development and Job Resources and Career Coaching3 more

Jamie Nacht Farrell: @Scott - I don't think its something you define. To your point - I feel like the "definition" wold imply some sort of 'weirdness'. If a ...More@Scott - I don't think its something you define. To your point - I feel like the "definition" wold imply some sort of 'weirdness'. If a relationship grows organically with someone who teaches you something whether personally or professionally and shows a vested interest in you - I think many of us look at those individuals as mentors. I never defined mine by calling them a "mentor" while I was working with them...it was only after several years of a blossoming relationship I felt comfortable enough to do so.
75 weeks ago
Kevin Li: Building onto Jamie's point, there's no point to define it at all.

Do you ask people for help when you're feeling uncertain? Do you have people ...More
Building onto Jamie's point, there's no point to define it at all.

Do you ask people for help when you're feeling uncertain? Do you have people you trust to give you unbiased opinions? Do you have people you talk to when you have to make different decisions?

Guess what, those are "mentors." Does it have to be a specific person for a specific purpose? No. Mentors, to me, come and go in a fluid environment.

75 weeks ago
 
Tony Forte Today is Election Tuesday, I hope everyone is carving out some time out to vote, here's a funny and enlightening read about the often serious matter, the article is called "Poll Dancing Lessons". Enjoy. http://www.urbanprofessor.com/2010/11/02/poll-dancing-lessons/ What have been some of your biggest challenges and concerns around getting out to vote?

81 weeks ago from Future Leaders, Mentors & Mentees, Education, Graduate Students and Gotta Mentor3 more

Dr. Paul D. Giammalvo: Hi Tony,
Not sure if you are aware, but our Australian colleagues are REQUIRED to vote. If they fail to vote, they end up paying a pretty healthy ...More
Hi Tony,
Not sure if you are aware, but our Australian colleagues are REQUIRED to vote. If they fail to vote, they end up paying a pretty healthy fine.

Frankly, I think it a GREAT idea!! If you are going to live in a democracy then you should have more than a MORAL obligation to vote, but a legal one as well, even if you write in "none of the above"....

BR,
Dr. PDG, Jakarta
http://www,build-project-management-competency.com

81 weeks ago
 
Rebecca Thorman This Sunday, I had my best run yet, which I'm excited about. Part of my success, I think, is that I have weekend runs with my boyfriend who is much faster than I am. But as my mother says, his legs are twice my size! Anyway, having a running buddy helps me keep momentum/goals. And it makes me want such a person on the career side even more, but for some reason, I'm terrified of trying to find an "official" mentor. Have you all tried business coaches? Do you have a mentor? What's your feedback?

95 weeks ago from Mentors & Mentees, Fit Freaks, Gotta Mentor, Rypple and Young Professional Women (YPW)3 more

William Bryan: I have not tried business coaches yet but I might in the future. I do have a mentor though and it has been the best decision of my life. Going to ...MoreI have not tried business coaches yet but I might in the future. I do have a mentor though and it has been the best decision of my life. Going to him with questions is a great resource. My mentor is in the same industr as me which helps tremously. I also go to the same college as he went to. Not on purpose, but it is critical I think to helping your career.
95 weeks ago
Jamie Nacht Farrell: I have always had a mentor (until now) and am actively seeking. I actually took $100K pay cut to work for who I thought was the right person; it ...MoreI have always had a mentor (until now) and am actively seeking. I actually took $100K pay cut to work for who I thought was the right person; it paid off. http://bit.ly/b4XYQ1
95 weeks ago
 
Andrea Rice Some lessons learned in childhood really do you a disservice in the workforce and the job search process. 3 Lessons You Learned Growing Up That Will Kill You in the Workplace - http://bit.ly/9Jah5i

120 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

DJWS: Great article, you outline some of the worst things I was taught growing up.
117 weeks ago
Andrea Rice: Thanks! Let's hope the pendulum starts to swing back the other way.
117 weeks ago
 
Andrea Rice A back and forth discussion on the pros and cons of face-to-face and online mentoring. Co-written with Shawn Graham. Building a Better Mentor Relationship - Virtual Connections or Actual Face Time? - http://bit.ly/cGING0

120 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 
Andrea Rice Are you a "baby boss" or do you have one? Take a look at the advice given to a young boss to help build rapport with the older employees the boss will be managing. http://bit.ly/6qGHdU Anyone have other suggestions?

127 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 
Danielle Gibeault I have been mentoring someone who will eventually be working with student pilots who isn't exactly student friendly. His ego and constant sarcasm make him tough for me to take, and I'm certain it will intimidate those he'll be trying to teach. For his own sake, and that of his future students, something must be done. I've discussed his attitude with him on numerous occasions, giving concrete examples and suggestions as to how to be a more effective and less offensive communicator. Suggestions?

128 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

Andrea Rice: Tell him you'd like to give him some feedback on the issues you discussed before. Provide additional examples of positive things he's done as well ...MoreTell him you'd like to give him some feedback on the issues you discussed before. Provide additional examples of positive things he's done as well as some of the negative examples. Try to find out of he just doesn't care or doesn't know how to change his behavior. If the first, there's not much you can do until he recognizes the downside of his behavior. If the latter, the mentoring including more frequent feedback can help.
128 weeks ago
Jonathan van de Veen: Also, if at all possible, point out this behavior as soon as it happens if possible. This way you'll make it easier for him to identify his poor ...MoreAlso, if at all possible, point out this behavior as soon as it happens if possible. This way you'll make it easier for him to identify his poor behavior.
Another thing might be send him on a communication/sales training.

118 weeks ago
 
GoSavant.com DON'T FORGET: Free Live Advice from a Career Coach, Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM CST http://bit.ly/3sNSZo RSVP under our Brazen group's Events!

132 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 
Chris(tina) Brady I'm a recent grad, and ultimately I want to work my way into being an editor. Anyone care to give me some guidance? I'm sure the amusement you'll feel due to my shenanigans will be worth it.

133 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

Andrea Rice: You're smart to start thinking about this early. My first suggestion is to make sure you have a good sense of the skills, experiences you need to ...MoreYou're smart to start thinking about this early. My first suggestion is to make sure you have a good sense of the skills, experiences you need to maximize the likelihood of getting to where you want to go. Reach out to editors you respect and get their recommendations about steps you should put on your personal career roadmap.
133 weeks ago
 
Danielle Gibeault I'm just starting my first business, which is an online extension of the knowledge I've gleaned from years in my industry, though I'll be continuing my current job as well. I'm looking for a mentor, but simply don't have anybody I know of who can help me make this transition. After all, I simply don't know everything that I don't know. How would you recommend I start a good search for a mentor?

133 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

Andrea Rice: Danielle, what are you looking for in a mentor? Someone with entrepreneurial interest? Someone with specific functional expertise? It seems like ...MoreDanielle, what are you looking for in a mentor? Someone with entrepreneurial interest? Someone with specific functional expertise? It seems like you might know some people with industry experience since your business is an extension of what you've been doing. Mentors are key for entrepreneurs, none of whom have all the insight they need. Consider having several mentors with the experience you need.

Think broadly about friends of friends, Meet Ups in your area, relevant professional associations

133 weeks ago
Danielle Gibeault: Thanks, Andrea, I appreciate the advice! I've actually started taking a more careful look at my options and am recognizing that this will be a ...MoreThanks, Andrea, I appreciate the advice! I've actually started taking a more careful look at my options and am recognizing that this will be a group effort-no one person is ideally situated to be helpful to me in every way I'd like. Thanks for taking the time to comment!
133 weeks ago
 
GoSavant.com We are hosting a free virtual meetup with a career coach on November 10 to answer your job search questions! Join the Job Resources and Career Coaching group and RSVP if interested! http://www.brazencareerist.com/group/job-resources-and-career-coaching/e...

133 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 
GoSavant.com Job seekers, we just formed a group you might be interested in here on BrazenCareerist. http://bit.ly/ZUACE Hope we can help!

136 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 
Andrea Rice Networking Dilemma: When do you become annoying? http://bit.ly/Bhm0b

136 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 
Andrea Rice The PERFECT Introductory Email to Someone you DO NOT Know - http://bit.ly/cwdg3

142 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 
Andrea Rice try searching at gottamentor.com for one (will need to register). Also good advice on finding/engaging mentors here: http://bit.ly/s0zdc

143 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 
hello, I'm looking for a mentor in the Publishing Industry

143 weeks ago from Gotta Mentor

 

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