1. Look for mentors all around you. The people who are best positioned to support you are the ones who have been there before. One colleague might be great at reviewing your presentation, another might help you prepare for a job interview, and others may coach you on how to manage your time, your team or even a tough client. Building a broad network increases your ability to find the right advisor at the right time.
2. Find a mentor by earning one. Do your part in the relationship. If you’re facing a challenge, draw up a potential solution. Demonstrate your desire to improve. Ask your mentor if you’re on the right track. Listen carefully. Be open to constructive feedback. Ask follow up questions. Although the best mentors offer guidance, encouragement and support, it’s up to you to act on that advice.
3. Give as much as you receive. a mentor can also grow and develop by virtue of their relationship with you. So, if you’re a mentee, approach the relationship with energy and commitment. Don’t just view the experience as a chance for you to gain; think about how you can be helpful in return. That spirit of reciprocity is something we try to cultivate at Lockheed Martin, where we’re proud to have a culture that encourages mentoring and development at every level, and in all directions. Our employees benefit because they can learn from and lean on one another; and our company benefits because we welcome open dialogues from different perspectives, backgrounds and levels of experience.

Mentoring relationships can challenge and inspire you, and they can help you propel your career. It’s never too soon to start learning from those around you -- and great leaders never stop.