Networking & Career / Finding Mentors and Allies / Lesson 07

LESSON 07 · FINDING MENTORS AND ALLIES

Follow Their Advice and Report Back

Eighteen easy tips to follow their advice and report back, so mentors feel their help truly mattered.

Act, then share. Progress is the thank you.

26 tipsEasy things to say7-day plan

Start with tip 1

Jump to the 7-day plan

26 tips that really help

These ideas come from Radical Candor (Kim Scott), Give and Take (Adam Grant), Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans), and everyday practice. Pick one tip and try it today.

TIP 1

Why report back

Mentors love to see results. Reporting back shows you value their help and invites more guidance.

TRY THIS
Update them.

TIP 2

Write down their advice

Notes right after the chat protect your memory. Highlight the main ideas.

TRY THIS
Write it.

TIP 3

Pick one step to try

Choose one action, not ten. A small step is likely to happen.

TRY THIS
Pick one.

TIP 4

Set a date

Choose a date to finish. Dates make action real.

TRY THIS
Set a date.

TIP 5

Do it and note the result

Write what happened. Results give you a story to share.

TRY THIS
Note it.

TIP 6

Send a short update

Two lines are enough. Include what you did and what happened.

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Send it.

TIP 7

Share what you learned

Say what surprised you. Honest learning is valued.

TRY THIS
Share it.

TIP 8

Ask for the next step

Ask, what should I try next? It keeps the link alive.

TRY THIS
Ask kindly.

TIP 9

Script: update

I tried your idea of preparing three stories, and it helped me feel calm. Say it warmly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 10

Script: lesson

The biggest lesson was to ask for feedback earlier. Say it kindly.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 11

Script: next step

What would you suggest I try next? Say it politely.

TRY THIS
Use it.

TIP 12

Mistake: waiting months to report back

Quick updates keep warmth, so reply soon.

TRY THIS
Update soon.

TIP 13

Troubleshoot: when the advice did not work

Say so kindly and share what you learned. Mentors enjoy honesty.

TRY THIS
Be honest.

TIP 14

Troubleshoot: when you disagree with the advice

Thank them and share your view politely. Respectful talk is welcome.

TRY THIS
Be respectful.

TIP 15

Drill: send one update today

Send an update to someone who helped you.

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Send one.

TIP 16

Drill: write a thank-you line

Write a thank-you line you can reuse.

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Write it.

TIP 17

Pick the easiest idea first

A quick win builds trust and momentum.

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Pick one.

TIP 18

Tell them when you start

A short message like, I am trying your tip this week, delights mentors.

TRY THIS
Send a note.

TIP 19

Share a result with a number

I made three calls and got one reply. Numbers make progress visible.

TRY THIS
Add numbers.

TIP 20

Ask a follow-up question

Show you thought about it and want to go deeper.

TRY THIS
Ask one.

TIP 21

Example: the CV change

Lena changed her CV as advised and got two interviews. She told her mentor, who cheered.

TRY THIS
Report back.

TIP 22

Example: the failed try

Sam tried a tip and it failed. He shared what he learned and got a better tip.

TRY THIS
Share honestly.

TIP 23

Mistake: reporting only after months

Short and regular updates keep the bond warm.

TRY THIS
Update monthly.

TIP 24

Troubleshoot: when you forgot to follow up

Send a late update with a smile.

TRY THIS
Send now.

TIP 25

Create a simple action list after each meeting

Turning advice into three small actions makes it easier to follow through and report back with real progress.

TRY THIS
Write three actions.

TIP 26

Set a reminder to review your mentor notes monthly

Reviewing your notes each month keeps good advice alive and shows you how much you have grown.

TRY THIS
Set a reminder.

Easy things to say

When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.

ACT

“I tried your idea.”

RESULT

“It helped in this way.”

LEARN

“Here is what I learned.”

ASK

“What should I try next?”

THANKS

“Thank you again.”

CLOSE

“I will keep you updated.”

Your first week

One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.

DAY 1
Write the advice

DAY 2
Pick one step

DAY 3
Do it

DAY 4
Note the result

DAY 5
Send an update

DAY 6
Ask for the next step

DAY 7
Say thanks

Further reading

• Radical Candor (Kim Scott)
• Give and Take (Adam Grant)
• Designing Your Life (Bill Burnett and Dave Evans)

The tips above are written in our own words and are general guidance. The books are suggestions for further reading.

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These lessons share general learning and everyday ideas. They are not medical or mental health advice. If you feel very anxious, low or unwell, please talk to a doctor or a qualified professional.