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

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Chapter 10

Employ a Personal

Board of Directors

by Priscilla Claman

Like avocado-colored appliances, traditional mentor-

ing is something you don’t see much anymore. Yes,

corporate-sponsored mentoring programs will always

improve personal exposure and connections. But the ca-

reer strategy of hitching your future to some rising man-

ager is outdated.

That’s partly because midlevel and senior managers

are no longer the ones with stable jobs. Many organiza-

tions are dealing with restructuring, downsizing, acquisi-

tions, mergers, and, of course, recessions—so your men-

tor is just as likely to move on or be laid off as you are.

And if you are considered ...