In a recent conversation, Joanne Modungo sat down with Tammy Troutman to discuss the power of mentorship in partnerships and the career growth of women. With over 40 years of experience in partnerships, Tammy shared valuable insights on what it takes to build meaningful mentorship relationships and how they can shape careers.
🎀 Building Relationships and Finding the Right Mentors
Tammy’s career began in the IBM partner ecosystem, where she honed both sales and operational skills. Through decades of experience, she realized that professional success hinges on building strong relationships—internally and externally. Tammy highlighted that finding the right mentor requires clarity of purpose: “You need to know what you want, what you’re looking for, and have a game plan. Lay out your goals and expectations to make sure the mentorship is effective for both parties.”
She emphasized that while some companies offer formal mentorship programs, many mentees must actively seek mentors through networking, associations, or within their organizations. Preparation and goal-setting are key for mentees to ensure that both parties derive value from the relationship.
🤝 Mentorship That Goes Both Ways
Tammy shared her experience with mentees who lacked clear goals: “I had to coach some of my mentors on how to guide me. It’s a two-way relationship where both need to contribute and set clear objectives.” This approach not only keeps the relationship focused but also shows respect for everyone’s time.
✨ Multiple Mentors for Different Needs
Tammy acknowledged that it’s possible to have more than one mentor, each serving a unique role. “I’ve had mentors who were sounding boards for personal challenges and others who provided career-specific guidance,” she explained. This flexibility allows mentees to benefit from diverse perspectives and expertise, broadening their growth potential.
🙌 Setting Boundaries and Moving On
Knowing when to move on from a mentorship is just as important as finding the right one. Tammy emphasized, “When you’ve gained everything you can, keep the professional relationship, but move past the mentoring piece.” This helps ensure that mentorships remain productive and aligned with personal growth goals.
👭 The Role of Women Mentors
Tammy also shared her experience with both male and female mentors. She found that women, especially those outside her organization, provided unique perspectives and a supportive environment where she could share personal challenges. “I had a mentor from a different company who taught me how to navigate being a woman in an executive role without internal competition.”
💼 Building Your Network for Mentorship Opportunities
Today’s remote work culture and limited in-person networking can make finding mentors challenging. Tammy advised tapping into associations, local events, and even personal contacts. “Conferences, community groups, and even sports teams are great places to meet potential mentors,” she said. Maintaining professional relationships and reaching out to trusted contacts can also lead to valuable mentorship connections.
Practical Advice for Mentorship Success
Throughout the conversation, Tammy stressed practical approaches for mentees:
- Have an Agenda: Every meeting should have a clear purpose, goals, and follow-up actions. This shows respect for the mentor’s time and ensures progress.
- Be Prepared: If a mentor suggests actions, follow through. Consistent effort demonstrates commitment and seriousness about growth.
- Seek Diverse Perspectives: Different mentors bring varied strengths. Combining their insights can elevate your career development.
Tammy’s career is a testament to the transformative power of mentorship, both in her own journey and in those she has guided. Her emphasis on clarity, preparation, and building genuine relationships offers a roadmap for mentees looking to grow personally and professionally.
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