5 Reasons Why You Need a Mentor

These days, becoming a successful product managers requires a unique set of skills and knowledge. This includes the ability to identify customer needs, understand market trends, be able to find a common language, and work with the development team. However, a set of skills and knowledge may not be enough to become a successful pm. If we go back to the book Trillion Dollar Coach, we know that every top manager like Steve Jobs, Larry Page, Jeff Bezos and others had a mentor who supported and helped along the way. I've come to the conclusion after reading the book that having a mentor is an important point in becoming a product manager. It may not be a big deal, but it definitely gives you an advantage and helps you grow faster, regardless of level or grade. In this article, I'm going to talk about the benefits of having a mentor at a vendor and how it can help product managers of all levels reach their career goals.

What is mentoring?

Mentoring is a process in which an experienced and knowledgeable person provides guidance, support and advice to someone who is less experienced in a particular area or skill set. A mentor serves as a role model, offering ideas and practical advice to help the mentee grow and develop professionally or personally.

Mentors can provide valuable feedback, share their own experiences and help mentees identify and work toward their goals. Mentoring can take many forms, including one-on-one meetings, group sessions and more. It is a collaborative and dynamic process that can have a significant impact on a mentee's career and personal growth.

Objective Feedback

On any professional journey, receiving objective feedback is invaluable. A mentor can provide you with constructive criticism and guidance, offering a fresh perspective on your work and decisions. It helps you abstract and look at things from a different perspective.

Motivation and self-confidence boosted

Having a mentor by your side can be a transformative experience, especially when it comes to boosting your confidence and motivation. Mentors provide valuable support, guidance and inspiration to help you overcome insecurity, discover your strengths and ignite a sense of purpose.

Accelerated learning and skill development

One of the most significant benefits of a mentor is the accelerated learning and skill development you receive through the co-curricular experience. You can take advantage of your mentor's vast knowledge base by benefiting from their experience. They can advise you on the most effective strategies, industry best practices and emerging trends, helping you acquire skills faster than if you were working on your own.

Professional Growth

It can help you identify and hone your strengths and work on areas where you need to improve. Through regular communication and mentoring sessions, you can become more self-aware, increase your emotional intelligence, and develop valuable soft skills.

Networking

Creating networking is critical to success in IT and product management. A mentor can serve as a gateway to extended networking and industry connections. Using network, a mentor can introduce you to the right contacts, industry events & etc. These connections can open doors to collaboration, partnerships and potential career advancement.

Overall, mentors play an important role in building confidence and motivation. Through encouragement, approval, knowledge sharing, goal setting, feedback and role modeling, mentors empower you to believe in yourself, overcome your limitations and strive for success. Their support and guidance create a nurturing environment that boosts your self-esteem.

I want to end this article with a quote from Bill Campbell: “Coaching is no longer a speciality, you can’t be a good manager without being a good coach.”