Jerry Overton12
How do we go about getting/giving mentoring?
Chris Fangmann
Jerry, you know we all need to do either one. None of us is perfect so needs mentoring, but knows more in certain areas so can give
Lisa Braun
In one instance, Women in Leadership at CSC just started a mentoring program. Folks volunteered to be either mentors or mentees or both. Program is new so not sure if it's ongoing or how that will work.
Kyle Zellman
It's just about asking people. I don't think we need a formal program or anything. Just ask someone that you think you can learn from. That's what I've always done.
Sankar Vema
no simple answer no difficult one either :)
Jerry Overton
@khzellman we could even use social networks (c3, twitter, linkedin) to make contact w/mentors and mentees.
Chris Fangmann
I've done that (via twitter and C3) and yes, it works
Sankar Vema
finding right people is the key... we always have challenges there
Jerry Overton
@ChrisFangmann cool. good to know. i'm trying it out now and wasn't sure if it was a good idea.
Chris Fangmann
Also mentoring (in either direction) increases your network - which is another extremely valuable asset
Chris Fangmann
With enlarged network and increase skill one keeps learning more about what we have and how we can improve - so: higher value also for customers and thus for the company itself in addition to the personal benefits
CSC FIERCE Labs
If you seek mentoring - don't be shy! There are many who are ready and willing to Mentor.
Chris Fangmann
@FIERCE_Labs Yes - I know quite a few who reached out to others - including to our great Distinguished Engineers - and never were turned down
Heather Simpson 🌈🍃
@khzellman I do think a formal program helps people who may be hesitant to do the outreach to senior techs and leaders. We can still OWN our development and be a bit shy about putting ourselves out there as a mentee or mentor, even--can't we :)
Kyle Zellman
@heatherswall haha yes, absolutely we can.
Chris Fangmann
@heatherswall I agree. Additionally: Where no formal program exists, I consider it a duty of everybody to offer mentoring when talking to someone and finding out there's a need or wish