Sendurai Mani: Navigating the Path to Finding a Great Mentor

Sendurai Mani, Associate Director for Translational Oncology at Brown University Legorreta Cancer Center, shared a post on LinkedIn:

“Navigating the Path to Finding a Great Mentor

Recently, someone inquired about mentorship. The question posed to me was simple yet profound: ‘Dr. Mani, how did you find such effective mentors? Did it happen by chance or by choice?’
I’ve been incredibly blessed with remarkable mentors throughout my journey. A significant part of this journey has been my commitment to adopting their valuable advice.

For example, my postdoctoral mentor, Dr. Robert Weinberg, taught me an invaluable approach to handling criticism. Dr. Weinberg advised, ‘When responding to criticism, avoid immediate phone calls for explanations. Instead, articulate your perspective through an email; it will allow for thoughtful reflection and preparing a proper response, ensuring clarity and precision in communications’.

Adopting this strategy has significantly enhanced how I address feedback and challenges, proving its worth in both professional and personal spheres. This approach has been a game-changer for me. I made it a point to credit Dr. Weinberg for this invaluable advice, reinforcing the significance of his mentorship. This acknowledgment not only shows appreciation for his wisdom but also motivates him to continue sharing his insights, fostering a cycle of learning and gratitude.

Finding a great mentor often starts with identifying individuals known for their mentoring skills. Engage with them, absorb their insights, and integrate their guidance into your practice. Success in mentorship is as much about the mentee’s openness and adaptability as it is about the mentor’s wisdom.

To those on the lookout for mentorship, remember that the right guidance can move you to new heights. Keeping an open mind and staying receptive to advice will help identify good mentors.”

Source: Sendurai Mani/LinkedIn