Mentor

[dialex]

Blogs

• https://dojo.ministryoftesting.com/lessons/how-to-train-up-a-new-software-tester
• https://dev.to/grappleshark/why-pay-it-forward
• https://club.ministryoftesting.com/t/empathy-maps-of-mentees-and-mentors/487
• https://tcagley.wordpress.com/2018/01/18/attributes-of-a-good-mentor/
• https://tcagley.wordpress.com/2018/01/25/a-mentor-or-coach-which-do-you-need-a-checklist/
• https://thelifeofoneman.com/welcoming-a-team-member-shouldnt-be-this-hard

[dialex]

What I usually recommend as a good starting point for these introductions is to think about what you want out of an introduction, in an absolutely ideal world. From analysing the reasons people have approached me I have found that people tend to be one of four types when they are looking for mentoring/guidance. I have created the framework below and given some example questions which should help me understand exactly where you’re at (and hence select/attract the right mentors).

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Type 1) People that are looking to understand more about their options, either for the short term or long term. These people are typically motivated but unclear on what the options look like. They ultimately need help/guidance in figuring out what their career goals are. These are typical type questions:

• What is a CTO’s role really like?
• What is the difference between working for a bank or a startup?
• I have reached the ceiling in this role and want to progress but don’t know what to do.
• I think I want to be a CTO but am not entirely sure whether to become a CTO of an early stage startup or larger company

Type 2) These people have already decided on a goal they are passionate about pursuing (either long term or short term) and are unsure of the best way to get there. They sometimes have a plan in mind they would like to confirm, other times don’t but need guidance on how to reach their goal. Typical Type 2 questions are:

• I want to become a CTO and am not sure of the best way to get there
• I want to get a job as a Java developer next year and want to do my best to get there
• I’d like to get promoted to a team lead within the next 12 months but could do with some help to get there

Type 3) These people don’t necessarily have a clear goal but are really interested in getting better at something. This ‘something’ could be something very specific (e.g. a technology) or a wider topic (e.g. communication). They don’t necessarily have a goal in mind or they’d be closer to Type 2, the goal for Type 3s is simply to become better. Typical questions include:

• I really want to learn about Machine Learning
• I am a junior with Java and want to become a better developer
• I want to learn more about TDD and clean coding

Type 4) These people are seeking mentoring or guidance to deal with a specific challenge. This is sometimes something right in front of their face, sometimes something that they are anticipating but is always related to specific challenges/problems. They often want to speak to someone that is experienced in this subject area/topic that can help them understand the challenge and help work past it. Type 4 people have often already tried to deal with a subject and struggled to conquer it. Typical Type 4 questions include:

• I have tried to understand TDD but just can’t wrap my head around it
• I have had trouble persuading or inspiring others and am concerned my communication skills aren’t strong enough
• I have tried to get a job for the last 3 months but haven’t been able to