HBR Guide to Getting the Mentoring You Need (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 8

Starting and Maintaining Relationships with Mentors

by Lew McCreary

Years ago, I failed to go out and get the mentoring I needed. I was then in the midst of my first magazine launch. I had always worked on the editorial side of the company, with little exposure to sales and marketing. Nonetheless, I claimed for myself the grand dual title of editor in chief and publisher—wanting a stake in the magazine’s business future, not just its content. My boss, despite some skepticism, indulged me. But soon enough, I recognized that I was in over my head and would benefit from the guidance of someone with sales acumen and objective distance from my business unit’s maverick culture. I even picked out an especially good candidate: a seasoned executive ...