Want to Accelerate Your Growth? Here’s Why You Need a Mentor Now!

In 2009, we started a movement in Serbia to empower people through community organizing, encouraging them to drive change themselves. Eager to learn from the best, we optimistically emailed Harvard Prof. Marshall Ganz, whose framework was used in Obama's 07/08 campaign. Our optimism paid off. Not only did he respond, but he also invited us to attend his online course in community organizing and helped us secure a scholarship to afford it. I wondered how I could learn even more? I thought, "If I'm to become a better leader, I need a mentor." So, I again optimistically emailed Marshall seeking his advice and mentorship. He responded and found time! That conversation led to an incredible opportunity. The following year, I started teaching the same online course alongside Marshall and a few other Teaching Fellows, meeting with him weekly. This led to an invitation to a Harvard community organizing conference to present our work in Serbia. On the last day, I yet again optimistically asked Marshall if he'd have time for a drink, as it was my final day in Boston. He gave me his number and said, "Text me later and we'll see." My friend Pedja said, "He's just being nice; he has no time." Well, guess what? I texted him, and we did have that drink!

During our conversation, he encouraged me to apply for a Master's program at Harvard. I asked and he committed to writing me a recommendation letter. I got in a year later, taught with him, learned in an amazing cohort, and even met my wife Merissa there! Now, whenever I have a new big idea or dilemma, I have someone I can trust, with amazing experience, to talk to and get advice from. This relationship and friendship changed my life! And that is the power of mentorship.

🔑 Mentorship: A Key Driver for Leadership & Career Growth

• My story is not unique: Many leaders credit their success to the mentors who guided them through their formative years. Mentorship is more than a professional relationship; it's a transformative experience that can accelerate your growth, build confidence, and open doors.

• Mentors see your potential: Mentorship provides a safe space to learn, make mistakes, and ask questions without fear of judgment. It's about finding a mentor who not only understands the industry landscape but also recognizes your potential and is willing to invest in your growth.

• Accelerated Career Progression: Research shows that mentees often experience faster career advancement, receiving promotions, higher compensation and leadership roles earlier than those without mentors. This acceleration is due to the guidance, skill development, and increased organizational visibility that mentorship provides.

👩‍🦰 Mentorship's Role in Supporting Women Leaders

Mentorship significantly impacts women in leadership roles, addressing unique workplace challenges like power dynamics and biases. It provides a support system that builds confidence, resilience, and leadership skills.

Mentors offer guidance and encouragement, helping women leaders find their voice, self-advocate, and overcome barriers. This empowers them to tackle bigger challenges, from promotion negotiations to leading major projects.

👥 Millennials: Purpose and Values Mentorship

For millennials (including myself!), mentorship is viewed not just as a perk but as a necessity for meaningful career development. This generation seeks mentors who are authentic, transparent, and willing to offer both feedback, support and moral guidance.

Millennials don't just want to know what to do; they want to understand why it matters. They seek mentors who can help them find purpose in their work, navigate career transitions, and develop the skills necessary to lead in an increasingly complex world.

🤷 How do I start?

🔹 Define Your Goals: Start by reflecting on what you hope to gain from a mentorship relationship. Are you looking for specific career advice, leadership development, or insights into a new industry? Knowing your goals will help you find the right mentor.

🔹 Identify Potential Mentors: Look for individuals who have experience or success in your field of interest. They could be people at your workplace, industry leaders, professors, or professionals you admire. Create a list of 3 major fields you need mentorship in, and 3 potential mentors for each field.

🔹Reach Out: Contact them with a polite and concise message. Introduce yourself, express why you admire their work, and explain how their mentorship could help you achieve your goals. Read more details in the section below. 👇

❓How to reach out?

• Personalize Your Approach: Craft a tailored message that shows you've researched them. Mention specific projects, articles, or achievements of theirs that resonate with you. This demonstrates genuine interest and respect for their work.

• Be Clear and Specific: Clearly state your intentions for seeking mentorship. Outline your goals, what you hope to learn, and why you believe they are the right person to guide you. Specificity makes it easier for them to understand how they can help.

• Offer Mutual Value: While you're seeking their guidance, think about how you might contribute to them as well. This could be through assisting on a project, providing a fresh perspective, or sharing relevant resources.

• Choose the Right Medium: Reach out through a channel they prefer or use frequently, such as email, LinkedIn, mutual friend introduction, or a professional networking event. If emailing, include their assistant in the communication too.

• Respect Their Time: Be concise & respectful: Keep your message brief, acknowledge their busy schedule, and express gratitude.

• What if they say YES? Build & maintain relationship. Be mindful of their interests, needs and maintain continuous communication. Just like you would do with a friend, just with a more professional tone. Be flexible with scheduling meetings and come prepared to meetings with questions and reflections.

🚀 Action Item: First Steps Towards a Mentor

For some of you, this whole process might seem scary. Don't worry! Start small, by identifying three potential mentors and reaching out to them by the end of this week. The steps mentioned above can provide guidance. We'd love to hear how it goes or answer any questions you may have: [email protected]

Additionally, if you have significant experience, consider offering mentorship to younger generations!

📚 Additional Resource**: Why the Power of Mentoring Can Change the World**

For those looking to deepen their understanding of effective mentorship, consider watching THIS 16 min long TED Talk by Shirley Liu.

I hope optimism and curiosity lead you to your new mentor, just as they led me. "A mentor is someone who allows you to see the hope inside yourself" - Oprah Winfrey.

Nikola