How to Reconnect with a Former Manager after Promotion
Promotion and team changes can significantly impact professional relationships, particularly with former managers who may have been key mentors. According to a study by LinkedIn, 75% of employees who receive mentorship experience higher satisfaction and career growth. Mentorship is crucial for professional development, and losing touch with a former mentor can feel like a setback.
Understanding the reasons behind their avoidance and learning how to make powerful requests can help you reconnect and continue to benefit from their guidance. This blog delves into practical tactics that many Iron Ladies have applied to effectively reconnect with former managers and ensure continued mentorship support.
Reasons for Avoidance
1. Professional Dynamics: The change in your professional relationship might make your former manager unsure about boundaries and expectations.
2. Current Manager Relationship: Your former manager might be cautious about stepping on the toes of your current manager.
3. Time Constraints: They could be genuinely busy with their own responsibilities and finding it hard to allocate time.
Strategies to Reconnect and Gain Mentorship
1. Diversify Your Mentorship Network: It’s essential to have multiple mentors within and outside the organisation to provide diverse perspectives.
Example: Seek mentorship from peers, industry leaders, or senior colleagues in other departments to broaden your insights and support network.
2. Make a Powerful Request: When reaching out to your former manager, be clear and specific about why you value their mentorship and how it can benefit your growth.
Example: “I have always admired your strategic approach to problem-solving and would love to learn more about how you develop these strategies. Could we meet next Thursday at 3 PM for a 30-minute discussion?”
3. Gradual Engagement: Start with brief interactions and gradually increase the engagement to see if they are willing and able to mentor you in your current role.
Example: Begin with quick check-ins via email or informal coffee meetings before requesting more formal mentorship sessions.
4. Highlight Their Impact: Express how their previous guidance has positively impacted your career and how their continued mentorship can help you in your new role.
Example: “Your advice on project management techniques has significantly improved my efficiency. I believe your insights will be invaluable as I navigate my new responsibilities.”
5. Assess Managerial Dynamics: Understand the relationship between your current and former managers, as it may influence your former manager’s willingness to mentor you.
Example: If there’s a good rapport, you might mention it in your request: “Given the positive feedback from our current manager about our collaboration, I hope we can continue our mentorship.”
Conclusion
At Iron Lady, we teach women to navigate professional challenges with strategic and powerful leadership. By diversifying your mentorship network and making powerful requests, you can effectively reconnect with a former manager and continue to benefit from their guidance. Remember, building and maintaining professional relationships is key to your success.
Ready to excel in your career and maintain strong professional relationships? Equip yourself with the capabilities and Business War Tactics to navigate complex situations with our Leadership Masterclass Program.
