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 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.
Why report back
Mentors love to see results. Reporting back shows you value their help and invites more guidance.
Update them.
Write down their advice
Notes right after the chat protect your memory. Highlight the main ideas.
Write it.
Pick one step to try
Choose one action, not ten. A small step is likely to happen.
Pick one.
Set a date
Choose a date to finish. Dates make action real.
Set a date.
Do it and note the result
Write what happened. Results give you a story to share.
Note it.
Send a short update
Two lines are enough. Include what you did and what happened.
Send it.
Share what you learned
Say what surprised you. Honest learning is valued.
Share it.
Ask for the next step
Ask, what should I try next? It keeps the link alive.
Ask kindly.
Script: update
I tried your idea of preparing three stories, and it helped me feel calm. Say it warmly.
Use it.
Script: lesson
The biggest lesson was to ask for feedback earlier. Say it kindly.
Use it.
Script: next step
What would you suggest I try next? Say it politely.
Use it.
Mistake: waiting months to report back
Quick updates keep warmth, so reply soon.
Update soon.
Troubleshoot: when the advice did not work
Say so kindly and share what you learned. Mentors enjoy honesty.
Be honest.
Troubleshoot: when you disagree with the advice
Thank them and share your view politely. Respectful talk is welcome.
Be respectful.
Drill: send one update today
Send an update to someone who helped you.
Send one.
Drill: write a thank-you line
Write a thank-you line you can reuse.
Write it.
Pick the easiest idea first
A quick win builds trust and momentum.
Pick one.
Tell them when you start
A short message like, I am trying your tip this week, delights mentors.
Send a note.
Share a result with a number
I made three calls and got one reply. Numbers make progress visible.
Add numbers.
Ask a follow-up question
Show you thought about it and want to go deeper.
Ask one.
Example: the CV change
Lena changed her CV as advised and got two interviews. She told her mentor, who cheered.
Report back.
Example: the failed try
Sam tried a tip and it failed. He shared what he learned and got a better tip.
Share honestly.
Mistake: reporting only after months
Short and regular updates keep the bond warm.
Update monthly.
Troubleshoot: when you forgot to follow up
Send a late update with a smile.
Send now.
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.
Write three actions.
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.
Set a reminder.
Easy things to say
When you are stuck, pick one of these. They work in many networking and career moments.
“I tried your idea.”
“It helped in this way.”
“Here is what I learned.”
“What should I try next?”
“Thank you again.”
“I will keep you updated.”
Your first week
One small action a day. Each day is only a little bigger than the last.
Write the advice
Pick one step
Do it
Note the result
Send an update
Ask for the next step
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.
More lessons in “Finding Mentors and Allies”
Keep going. Small steps every day make a big change.
← Previous: Prepare Good QuestionsNext: Give Back to Your Mentor →
- Why Mentors Matter
- Decide What Help You Want
- Find People You Admire
- Write a Short First Message
- Ask for Twenty Minutes
- Prepare Good Questions
- Follow Their Advice and Report Back
- Give Back to Your Mentor
- Keep the Relationship Warm
- Find Peer Friends at Your Level
- Find a Sponsor Who Speaks for You
- Become a Mentor Yourself
