How to get more from your mentor

Your mentor isn’t giving you his time and advice out of the goodness of his heart. It’s your responsibility to make your mentor’s investment in you a valuable use of his time. Here are three ways to give back to your mentor:

1. Keep his interests in mind. Keep your mentor’s interests on your radar. If you see an article or news story that would be useful to him, pass it on.

2. Provide insight into the rank and file. By definition, you are more junior than your mentor. Your mentor could benefit from your insight into what more junior people in the organisation think about projects or policies.

At the very least, you can show your gratitude by suggesting you have your next session at your mentor’s favourite lunch spot and footing the bill.