Mentoring Archives

Stupid Idea or Seeds of Brilliance?

by Karin Hurt | Jun 17, 2013 | By Karin Hurt, Communication | 20 comments

The young leader came racing in my office, his “great idea” bursting from his heart. He had a plan and was ready to go. I listened to his enthusiastic outburst with mixed emotions. He had energy, passion, and commitment. Good start. But, it was a stupid...

Mentoring Moments: Just in Time Support

by Karin Hurt | Apr 30, 2013 | By Karin Hurt, Career & Learning, Communication | 11 comments

Someone asks you to be their mentor. You’re not sure you can commit. It’s a lot of time, and you’re already overloaded. Plus you’ve mentored in several formal mentoring programs and it felt forced and awkward. Formal programs can stifle a good...

Powerful Presentations: Teaching Your Team To Talk Strategy

by Karin Hurt | Mar 18, 2013 | By Karin Hurt, Career & Learning, Results & Execution | 10 comments

Practice is the Secret to More Impactful Presentations A “stand and deliver” presentation on your results is always nerve-wracking. But you know what’s even more painful? Watching a direct report flounder as they struggle to give a powerful...

Your Mentor May Not Be Helping Your Career: Find a Sponsor

by Karin Hurt | Jan 16, 2013 | By Karin Hurt, Career & Learning | 2 comments

Great mentors prepare you for the next level by challenging, teaching, sharing stories, and offering perceptions. However, many people assume that their mentor is also their sponsor. This is not necessarily the case. Mentors prepare. Sponsors promote. Your mentor can...

Speed Mentoring: Jump Starting Deeper Connections

by Karin Hurt | Nov 7, 2012 | By Karin Hurt, Career & Learning | 4 comments

Finding a great mentor is hard. A lot goes into making mentoring work, but above all it starts with finding a great connection. I spent today launching a new mentoring circle, with a bit of a twist. Instead of a pure skip-level experience, all of my direct reports...