The value of mentorship, especially for women in STEM, is well established.
But which question is more likely to elicit a yes:
Would you be my mentor?
or
Would you mentor me on an IRB revision which I’m submitting next month?
While it is possible the first question might result in a relationship with a mentor for the long haul—someone who will guide you in your career while also offering advice around specific aspects of your work—this kind of relationship is hard to find. An alternative is a micro-mentor, someone to offer guidance around specific, time-limited activities. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Step 1. Find the right person. Tap your network and/or browse LinkedIn for people in your organization who might have the expertise you need. C-suites are not the right place to look. People who are just a bit above your level are more likely to be willing and available.
Step 2. Be specific about the time commitment. A request for two or three short conversations or guidance over a specific period, like a month or two, is more likely to be embraced than a request for an indeterminate amount of help. This also shows that you respect the mentor’s time, and respect is a good way to start any relationship.
Step 3. Maintain the relationship. When the micro-mentoring period is over, express your gratitude. Be specific about what you learned. This relationship may evolve into an ongoing, more general mentoring one, but even if that’s not the case, stay in touch with your micro mentor. Tell your supervisor how helpful that person was to you, as well.
Micro-mentoring can have ripple effects in your workplace. Helpfulness breeds helpfulness. If you are early in your career and still feel in need of mentorship, think of yourself as someone who can also help others. Not only does it feel good to help, it’s also a good way to hone your own knowledge and skills.
By being a person who others feel comfortable approaching for assistance—and who expresses genuine appreciation to those who have assisted you—you are inspiring virtuous cycles at work. Micro-mentoring doesn’t just help build your own career; it can also help build positive organizations.
Patricia Flynn Weitzman, PhD, is a STEM entrepreneur, research psychologist and certified coach. She can be reached at pat.weitzman@gmail.com or on LinkedIn.