In our ongoing series “What My Mentors Taught Me,” we explore the profound impact of mentorship on career growth. Today we turn our attention to Mei Hwi Tan, a senior software engineer who has intricately weaved her journey in the technology industry with the guidance of her mentors.
Mei Hwi’s evolution into her role as a senior software engineer demonstrates the transformative power of mentorship and how it can enhance one’s abilities as a communicator and leader.
Tell us about a mentor you’ve had and how they helped your development as a communicator and leader.
I’ve been fortunate to learn from managers who bring fresh approaches to difficult conversations with their employees. Even when faced with challenging discussions, they consistently practiced active listening and maintained an open and accessible communication style. Witnessing their humility to keep their egos in check even in the heat of the moment left a lasting impression on me.
One memorable mentor told me that he gained valuable insights through our interactions. This unexpected revelation was a turning point that changed my perspective. This emphasized the idea that there is no hierarchy in learning. Regardless of seniority or experience, everyone has something to teach.
I recently had a casual conversation with a junior software engineer who taught me a valuable lesson about communication. Their genuine curiosity about why people choose engineering careers led to insightful conversations and highlighted the power of curiosity in building relationships.
How has your mentor inspired you to go above and beyond?
When a mentor recognizes my contributions and holds me accountable, my confidence increases significantly. Observing mentors who lead by example and go the extra mile to support continuous learning through knowledge sharing and outreach motivates me to repeat these practices in my own professional journey.
Moreover, my mentor’s broader perspective on the situation reminds me to keep the bigger picture in mind and not get lost in the details of the problem.
How much do you attribute your success to the mentoring program you participated in?
Mentorship programs provide an invaluable source of motivation and inspiration. As individuals, we face obstacles, setbacks, and unexpected difficulties. It is important to feel supported and not discouraged within the organization. I find that mentoring programs play an important role in this regard. One-on-one sessions create a safe space for discussion and feedback, and renew your commitment to tackling challenges.
Additionally, the wisdom, personality, thought processes, and experiences of my mentors have been a source of inspiration. Various leaders have left distinct marks on my journey, which have contributed to shaping my current leadership style. Collectively, these diverse influences have shaped my path and contributed to my success.
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Mei Hui for sharing her insights on mentoring. It was great to learn about communication and leadership through mentoring. If you’d like to read more stories from inspiring employees, visit our Careers blog.
