How? Think about the skills you’d
like to improve. Maybe you’d like to be
a better time manager. Maybe you’d like
to develop better analytical thinking.
Maybe you wish you had a fresh outlook on old subjects.
Now look around your office. Which
of your colleagues excel in the area where you’d like to improve? Pick one (or two, if they’re willing) and get
learning. You can’t expect anyone to
drop everything to help you, but you can talk to a colleague or supervisor
about your interest in improving your own skills based on theirs and suggest
one or more of the following:
1.
Have
a lunch meeting. While you’re not going
to make any massive, life-altering changes in just an hour or two, you can
start to get a feel for the information you’re looking for--without taking up
too much of your colleague’s time--over lunch.
Ask questions. Get advice. Learn about his/her process for achieving
certain tasks. You may find that one
lunch leads to two, two leads to three, etc.
2.
Request
collaboration on a project. Seeing your
mentor in action will help you better hone the skill you’re trying to improve. It will also give your mentor insight into
your approaches and habits, making it easier for him or her to offer
suggestions and guidance.
3.
If
appropriate and possible, review his/her past projects, reports, etc. Study them.
Learn from them. See how they
differ from your own.
4.
Be a
shadow. See if you can follow your mentor
around for a day or two. Study how the
individual manages his/her time, prioritizes tasks, handles complications,
interacts with others, etc.
Even if your
colleagues/mentors of choice can’t help you right now, don’t give up. Most likely they’ll be flattered that you’ve
taken interest in their strengths and want to help you in one way or another
when they can. Be patient. Be observant.
And most of all, be grateful.
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