Getting the most out of product mentoring
Maximizing your relationship with a mentor, coach, or advisor
Following my recent post about what to look for in a product coach or mentor, here are four simple guidelines for getting the most out of the relationship. Whether it’s with a mentor, coach, or with your manager between 1-1s:
Show up to sessions prepared and having a sense of what you want to focus on that would be highest ROI for you.
Take massive action in between sessions. Otherwise you're wasting everyone's time.
Get their eyes on real work artifacts! It's easy to stay abstract, but often the moment you look at a real work artifact, the actual issues become clear.
Use the bat phone when you need it (but only if you truly do). Often the greatest growth comes amidst challenge, so if there is a serious situation that cannot wait, reach out.