Mentoring isn’t just coffee chats and “pick your brain” DMs—it’s a performance accelerant. In this episode, Thompson Dickerson and I dig into why mentoring matters, how to find the right mentor (not just the most famous one), the difference between formal programs and informal “choose-your-own-adventure” mentoring, and the underrated superpower of receiving feedback with grace. Thompson also shares a personal mentoring story that changed her trajectory—and her playbook for keeping mentor relationships healthy, mutual, and results-focused.

Key Takeaways

Mentoring = speed + safety. You get to skip avoidable mistakes and test ideas with someone who’s been there.
Right fit > big name. Look for values alignment, relevant reps, and someone who gives feedback (not just stories).
Formal vs. informal: Formal programs create access and structure; informal mentoring often delivers speed and chemistry. Use both.
Own the asks. Come to sessions with goals, updates, and a “receipt” of what you tried since last time.
Feedback is a leadership skill. Ask for it specifically, receive it calmly, and translate it into action fast.
Close loops. Follow up with what you did and what changed—mentors invest more when they see impact.

Quote from Thompson:
“Great mentors don’t hand you answers—they hand you mirrors and maps. Your job is to walk.”

Resources You Can Use

Thanks for the Feedback — Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
Radical Candor — Kim Scott
The Coaching Habit — Michael Bungay Stanier
HBR Guide to Getting the Mentoring You Need — Harvard Business Review
Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) — Tools & articles on mentoring and feedback
SHRM Mentorship Toolkit — Templates for formal programs

Episode Extras

Reflection prompt: What feedback theme keeps showing up? What’s one behavior you’ll test this week?
Manager challenge: Pair each new leader with a “situational mentor” for their biggest upcoming challenge.

Connect with Thompson Dickerson

Email: Thompson.Dickerson@alumni.ou.edu
LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomp7

CTA: If this episode helped, share it with a manager who’s mentoring (or needs one), leave a quick rating, and tell us your best mentoring win—we might feature it on a future episode.

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Website: www.managewithhart.com
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