Here are 25 questions you should ask your mentor

Here are 25 questions you should ask your beraterHere are 25 questions you should ask your mentorWhenever Im asked What are some of the best questions to ask a mentor? I like to share this simple model for making the most out of every mentoring conversation.To maximize the benefits of the relationship, come prepared to every conversation. Its a way to show appreciation for your mentor and their time and commitment to you. Ultimately, both of you should leave every conversation feeling like it was time well spent. All it takes is a few minutes of thoughtful preparation.Heres how it works Before every meeting with your mentor, prepare one question from each of these categories stories, situations, self-awareness, and skill building.In my workshops and group coaching programs, I like to share those categories, and then ask the participants to compile their own questions to ask a mentor. Here are some good ones theyve come up with recentlyStoriesAsk your mentor to tell a story from his o r her career. Some questions to consider1. How did you land your current role?2. Think back to five years ago. Did you envision this is where you would be?3. Can you tell me about a time when you had a difficult boss? How did you handle it?4. How did you learn to embrace failure?5. Whats the most important leadership lesson youve learned and how is it valuable?6. Tell me about a recent setback and how you recovered?7. Was there ever a job position that you applied for and got, but you werent 100% qualified?8. How did you build the skill of alwaysspeaking so engagingly in front of others?SituationsIdentify a challenging situation and share it with the mentor. Ask your mentor to act as a sounding board. Some questions to consider9. Im considering a career transition. What do you see as the pros and cons?10. Who are the people I need to align with in this organization to achieve success?11. What advice can you offer on how to progress in my career12. How do you successfully stay connec ted to key influencers who do not work in same office or geographical area?13. When trying togain buy-into implement a new program, what tactics have worked for you?Self-awarenessAsk a question that invites your mentor to contribute to your self-awareness. Some questions to consider14. Where do you see my strengths and what should I focus on to improve?15. What do you see as some of my blind spots?16. How do you think others perceive me?17. How I am viewed by leadership?18. Do I come across as poised and calm?19. How am I viewed (i.e., whats mypersonal brand) in our organization?20. Did everyone understand what I presented at the last meeting?21. How could I have communicated my idea more clearly?Skill-buildingIdentify a skill you currently want to develop, and ask your mentor for advice or resources. Some questions to consider22. How do you approach risk-taking?23. What new skills do I need to move ahead?24. How can I become a more assertivenegotiator?25. How can I become better at managing people who do not report to me?Which of these questions could you ask your mentor? Do you have any to add to this list? (For additional examples, try thislist.)This article was originally published on Be Leaderly.

How to Lose a Job Offer in No Time

How to Lose a Job Offer in No TimeHow to Lose a Job Offer in No TimeYouve made it through the interview process and just received an offer. This is the moment you have been working towards through your entire job search. But, the offer may not be what you thought, or maybe you are having second thoughts. Even if you want to accept the offer, there are several ways you can lose a job offer quickly and without even thinking about it.Check out the following actions that will cost you the offer you just received. And if you are interested in keeping that job offer, we have six tips to help you avoid losing it.How to Lose a Job OfferYou lose your professionalism. During all communications with the employer, it is best to remain professional and consistent. If, however, you show the employer another personality once you get a job offer, you will quickly find yourself with the offer being retracted.You become demanding. If you have had a successful interview, salary and benefits were probab ly touched on during the process. Once you get the job offer and decide you want a higher salary and more benefits, employers will probably back away from negotiations.You are incommunicado. Nothing says I dont want a job more than not answering an employer when they are ready to extend an offer. If you truly dont want the job, then dont respond. But, remember that you could be burning important bridges.You go social. Whether you announce the job offer or bash the offer on social media, announcing it before you accept and the job becomes official may cause the employer to go looking for someone else.You mishandle your references. For the most part, references are checked during the interview process. However, some employers wait until after the interview, and even the job offer, to make contact. If you have provided them with schwimmbad information or a bad reference, your job offer will go bust.You dont follow through. Many job seekers make offers or promises during the interview p rocess. This may be part of what is getting you the job offer. If you dont follow through on your end of the deal, the employer wont follow through on theirs.You offer to sabotage your old employer. No matter how horrible your last employer was, offering to sabotage them for your new employer is not the way to go. Not only will this action lose you the job offer, but most likely cost you others in the future.How to Avoid Losing a Job OfferMaintain professionalism. Just as you conducted yourself during the interview process, you should maintain the same level of professionalism. You were hired based on your qualifications AND conduct. While you may become more comfortable over time, which is fine, you dont want to turn into a completely different person.Dont change your requirements. Once you get the job offer, dont departure demanding additional benefits or a higher salary range. Becoming demanding and changing the playing field isnt very becoming. However, this isnt to say you cant negotiate.Dont play hard to get. If you are getting an offer, the employer obviously wants you. Playing hard to get is not the way to keep them interested. If you are too hard to please, they may be willing to go elsewhere. Make sure to negotiate tactfully and be willing to compromise if the employer is also making a good effort.Dont lie. Any lie is going to land you in the hot seat. Whether it is with an incorrect background or bad references, the easiest way to lose a job offer is to lie. Keep all of your information accurate, and the employer wont have a reason to rescind the offer.Keep things under wraps until its official. Once you get a job offer, social media is NOT your friend. To keep the offer standing, maintain your professionalism on social media channels and dont announce the offer. Once everything becomes official, and you start the new job, then you can announce that you have a new job. BUT, keep the details private.Stay in touch. Avoiding contact is an easy way to d isinterest an employer. Keep in touch with them. If you are scheduled to be out during a specific time frame, let them know. Of course, dont be overbearing and make contact several times a day or even daily.Job searching is hard work, and the ultimate goal is to get an offer and move into a career that youll be happy in. Despite all your hard work, a few mistakes can easily spell disaster for your future career plans. To avoid losing the offer, its best to conduct yourself just as you have up to this point.Readers, what tips do you have to make sure job seekers dont lose a job offer? Share your experiences and tips in the comment section below

Business Manager Job Description

Business Manager Job DescriptionBusiness Manager Job DescriptionBusiness Manager Job DescriptionThis geschftsleben manager sample job description can assist in your creating a job application that will attract job candidates who are qualified for the job. Feel free to revise this job description to meet your specific job duties and job requirements.Business Manager Job ResponsibilitiesManages business and/or business units by performing related duties.Business Manager Job DutiesUpdates job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities reading professional publications maintaining personal networks participating in professional organizations.Accomplishes organization goals by accepting ownership for accomplishing new and different requests exploring opportunities to add value to job accomplishments.Business Manager Skills and QualificationsPerformance Management, Giving Feedback, Project Management, Coaching, Foster Teamwork, Supervision, Staffing, Business Knowledge, Techni cal Leadership, Technical Management, VisionEmployers Post a job in minutes to reach candidates everywhere. Job Seekers Search Business Manager Jobs and apply on now. Learn more abouthow to hireWriting a Job Description Reign in Job RequirementsEvaluate a Job Candidates Social SkillsInterviewing Gaffes and Recruiting Disasters