Embracing Leadership: A Journey of Mentorship and Growth

In the fast-paced world of corporate dynamics, navigating organizational changes can be both daunting and transformative.

Join me as I reflect on my journey at Groupon, where I experienced the impact of mentorship as both a mentee and a mentor during a significant period of transition.

Embracing Mentorship as a Newbie:

When I first joined Groupon as a junior team member, I was fortunate to have a seasoned colleague who took me under her wing.

Her guidance, support, and encouragement were invaluable as I navigated the complexities of the organization.

With her by my side, I gained confidence and skills that laid the foundation for my professional growth.

Building Confidence Through Mentorship:

After three months, my mentor decided to pursue new opportunities, leaving me to navigate the corporate landscape on my own.

While her departure initially felt daunting, the knowledge and confidence she instilled in me proved invaluable.

Armed with her teachings, I embraced the challenge and found myself equipped to handle tasks and decisions independently.

Stepping Up as a Mentor:

During the second quarter of 2023, when a major organizational shift at Groupon resulted in a change in the reporting structure.

As the dust settled from the organizational transition, I found myself reporting directly to the Chief Marketing Officer of the company. Alongside me were two teammates, both junior to me in experience and rank.

While our new manager, also serving as the CMO, was incredibly supportive, his demanding workload meant that he couldn't offer the same level of one-on-one attention as our previous manager.

Adapting to the Situation:

Despite the change in reporting structure, I embraced the opportunity to grow as a leader.

Recognizing that my junior teammates might need additional support and guidance, I took it upon myself to mentor them, even though I wasn't their official reporting manager.

While I was comfortable without weekly check-ins, I understood that my teammates might benefit from more structured support.

Stepping into Leadership:

Taking on the responsibility of mentoring my teammates allowed me to hone my leadership and managerial skills. I provided guidance, answered questions, and offered support whenever they needed it.

By fostering an environment of collaboration and open communication, I ensured that my teammates felt comfortable approaching me for assistance.

Building a Supportive Environment:

Through this experience, I learned the importance of empathy, adaptability, and mentorship in leadership.

By stepping up to support my teammates, I not only helped them navigate the challenges of the transition but also strengthened our team dynamic.

Together, we faced obstacles head-on and emerged stronger and more resilient.

Tips for Effective Mentorship:

• Lead with Empathy: Understand the unique challenges faced by mentees and offer support tailored to their needs.

• Share Knowledge: Share insights, experiences, and resources to help mentees develop their skills and confidence.

• Provide Feedback: Offer constructive feedback and guidance to help mentees grow and improve.

• Encourage Growth: Encourage mentees to step out of their comfort zones, take on new challenges, and pursue growth opportunities.

• Lead by Example: Demonstrate leadership qualities and behaviours that mentees can emulate in their careers.

Conclusion:

Mentorship plays a vital role in fostering professional growth, confidence, and resilience, especially during times of organizational change.

My journey at Groupon highlighted the profound impact of both receiving and offering mentorship. From being guided as a newcomer to stepping up as a mentor, I witnessed firsthand the power of mentorship in shaping careers and building strong, supportive teams.

As we continue to navigate the complexities of the corporate world, let us remember the importance of mentorship in empowering individuals and driving organizational success.