To pitch an idea, take a lesson from Hollywood screenwriters

When Hollywood screenwriters pitch their movie ideas, producers are typically listening for a logline: one or two sentences that explain what the movie is about. If there is no logline, more often than not, there is no sale. This is a valuable lesson for business leaders trying to answer basic, essential questions: what does your startup or product do? What’s your new idea? You should be able to respond in a compelling sentence that is both easy to say and easy to remember. Identify the one thing you want your audience to hold on to. The iPod, for example, was “1,000 songs in your pocket”. A sales rep for a large tech company might focus on savings: “Our product will reduce your company’s cell phone bill by 80 per cent.” Your logline should specify the problem you’re solving and give people a story they can take to other decision-makers in their organisations.

(Adapted from The Art of the Elevator Pitchby Carmine Gallo.)

No matter how busy you are, you can be an attentive mentor

Being a good mentor takes time. How can you make sure your schedule full of meetings, speaking engagements and travel doesn’t hinder your ability to be an attentive mentor? First, appreciate that some time is better than none. If 60-minute meetings aren’t possible, try to set aside 30 or even 15 minutes. These smaller windows will force your mentee (and you) to get to the point. And face-to-face meetings aren’t your only option: text messaging, email, video conferencing and phone calls can all help you connect with your mentee. Most important, be fully present and engaged during mentoring sessions. Whether you are meeting in person, over Skype or even having a text conversation, demonstrate to your mentee that for the next few minutes, they are all that matters. If you start to get distracted by other tasks or your next meeting, refocus your attention and remind yourself: Be here, now.

(Adapted from How Doctors Can Be Better Mentorsby Sanjay Saint, MD and Vineet Chopra, MD)

Surround yourself with people who will push you to grow

When it comes to planning our careers, we carefully choose our companies and jobs. But rarely are we deliberate about selecting the advisers and confidantes who help us succeed. Cultivate a support group for your career by thinking about whose advice and expertise you wish you had on speed dial. Consider who you feel inspired by, whether they’re colleagues, senior leaders or peers in your field. Seek these individuals out, and be candid about why you admire them and why you want to connect. Focus on building a relationship that will benefit both of you. As you get to know each other, don’t be afraid to explore big life questions: What do you want to do with your life? What motivates you? What are you doing that you really don’t like to do? Work together to become better versions of yourselves.

(Adapted from The Key to Career Growth: Surround Yourself With People Who Will Push You by Claudio Fernández-Aráoz)

When a co-worker is struggling to be productive

Sometimes productivity is a team effort. If a colleague is struggling to stay focused and engaged, helping him may not be part of your job description, but it is the kind thing to do. Take time to chat with him at his desk, or invite him to grab a cup of coffee or a drink after work. Let him know that you’ve noticed he’s off his game, and talk openly about the times you’ve struggled with projects or had bad days, to show him he is not alone. But make sure the conversation stays productive; it’s easy for a well-intentioned check-in to turn into a gripe session about what’s wrong with your workplace. Brainstorm small steps they can take to make progress on their most important goals. Of course, be careful that helping your colleague doesn’t drain your energy or hurt your performance. You don’t have to solve his problems — just give him the little push he needs to get unstuck.

(Adapted from How to Help a Colleague Who Seems Off Their Game by Art Markman)

Published in Dawn, The Business and Finance Weekly, December 17th, 2018