How to be mentored: Sarah’s story

Make it a team effort. You’ll have to work hard and co-operate and take an active part in the mentoring process. If you’re set assignments, find time to do them.

'There were times when I found her criticism hard to take – it wasn’t easy.'

Don’t take it personally. Your mentor is obliged to be your best critic and you’re obliged to take criticism with good spirit.

'Together we grappled over how I might better manage male colleagues without being like them.'

If it feels funny, try it anyway. Take up challenges. Be courageous, take risks, and be willing to stumble and fall.

'She insisted we work out a long-term game plan.'

Stop, look and listen. You’re working with this person because they have some important things to tell you about yourself. So listen carefully and you’ll pick up some gems.

'I have a wonderful husband and two children. I realised that over the next five years, what I wanted was time to enjoy my family, while still pursuing a career; so stepping up the corporate ladder would have to be slower than I’d planned. But that’s okay. At the end of the year I was thrilled to get a promotion; six months later I was delighted to turn down the next. So it’s all had a happy ending, really.'

Open up. The idea is to be honest. Reveal yourself, warts and all. If you’re always trying to impress, you’ll learn nothing.