AT&T leaders share advice for a successful mentorship

At AT&T, we understand the value of the mentor-mentee relationship. This unique bond not only inspires and motivates but it also provides essential guidance, support, and encouragement. We spoke with three leaders who share how mentorship has shaped their personal and professional growth and the meaningful ways they are paying it forward.

What strategies do you find most effective for fostering a strong mentor-mentee relationship?

Jwyanza Watt, VP — Workplace Services: Fostering a strong mentor-mentee relationship begins with building trust and connection; mentor circles at AT&T provide an incredible platform to make this happen. One of the most effective strategies I’ve seen is starting with common ground — whether that’s shared skills, interests, passions, or career goals. Mentor circles are particularly valuable because they bring diverse perspectives into the conversation. Each participant offers unique experiences and insights, creating a dynamic learning environment where everyone can grow. These sessions also reinforce our value to ‘Win as One’ by encouraging collaboration and fostering a sense of community.

Another key strategy is creating a consistent and supportive presence as a mentor. By showing up with authenticity and a willingness to share my experiences, I help create an environment where mentees feel encouraged to engage and grow. At the same time, mentor circles serve as a reminder of the importance of balance — not just in achieving career goals but also in maintaining personal well-being.

How do you measure the success of mentorship programs?

Antonia Martinez, Lead Product Marketing Manager: Measuring success and impact of mentorship programs is subjective. People in mentoring programs may have different objectives and how the success of that program is measured truly depends on the mentor and individual mentees of that program. If just one person walks away with a new professional connection, widened perspective, deeper understanding, or simply feeling empowered, you know that mentorship program was successful and served its purpose. When establishing a mentoring program, we can only hope that our authenticity and candid discussions are the spark that set ablaze greatness from within our mentees.

Can you share an example of a time when being a mentor impacted your own professional growth?

Steven Eiger, AVP — Mid Markets Customer Success: First, every time I lean in to be a mentor, I meet someone new who has new and diverse perspectives. I always learn something from them. Secondly, I enjoy investing in others and know that in turn benefits the whole company. Lastly, mentoring is an excellent way to grow your professional network. By establishing strong relationships, I have created valuable connections that may lead to future opportunities and collaborations.

I am always humbled when I’m asked to mentor. It is amazing to think someone looks to me in that light and I get satisfaction knowing that I have made a positive impact in someone else’s life and career.

What advice would you give to someone hesitant about seeking a mentor?

Watt: Seek out an active listener. Mentorship has been an incredible learning experience for me, and one of the most profound lessons I’ve gained is the value of active listening. Through my role as a mentor, I’ve learned that listening attentively to both the spoken and unspoken words can reveal valuable insights, not only for the mentee but also for the mentor.

Active listening has also strengthened my relationships. By acknowledging a leader’s achievements in real-time, I was able to open doors for meaningful conversations and build rapport. It has also helped me stay relevant, ensuring that I’m in tune with the priorities of the organization and our leadership. This is a perfect example of how mentorship can be reciprocal; as much as I’ve helped guide others, I’ve been equally influenced by their ideas and approaches.

Martinez: Asking someone to be your mentor may seem like a daunting task, but I would encourage you to shift your mindset. We have so many phenomenal leaders and colleagues who hold a wealth of industry knowledge, unique experiences, and perspectives, and they want to pay it forward.

If you are still hesitant about seeking out a mentor, you may want to start by asking a colleague or someone you already know. Once you get comfortable, start working your way up to gain more perspective from leaders across the business. When seeking mentorship, you want to be strategic with your approach. What do you want to learn? What do you want to share? Envision the end result of your mentorship and make an action plan to get there. It helps to set SMART goals and an agenda for the time you will spend with your mentor/mentee. Focus on the mentorship experience–this ensures it’s time well spent all around.

Eiger: A mentor can provide invaluable guidance, support, and insights that can help you navigate your career or personal growth. They can offer perspectives based on their experiences that you might not have considered. If you are unsure or intimidated, try leveraging group settings. Our employee groups are amazing places to get started where mentoring is infused and everyone is there for a common purpose of giving back to our communities through development.

I always tell people that they should be genuine and purposeful in approach. Choosing or finding the right mentor may take time. Practice self-reflection and think about what you hope to gain from the mentorship. Consider your goals or areas you need guidance. This will help you approach potential mentors with purpose. Additionally, be prepared to offer your own perspectives. We want and value them; mentorship is a two-way street.

There’s no better time than now to find a mentor. These relationships not only foster personal and professional growth, but they also help create a collaborative and supportive culture.

Ready to make a meaningful connection?