The HBR Guides Collection (8 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

99

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 fi rst 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 ben-

efi t from the guidance of someone with sales acumen

and objective distance from my business unit’s maverick

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Growth ...