Skip to content

Home

  • in podcast
  • 4 min read

Setting Up Python with Pyenv

Welcome to "Continuous Improvement," the podcast where we explore tools and techniques for enhancing our development workflows. I'm your host, Victor, and in today's episode, we're going to dive into the world of Python version management using a handy tool called pyenv.

Have you ever found yourself needing to work on a project with a specific Python version that you don't currently have installed on your machine? Well, pyenv is here to save the day! It allows you to install and manage multiple versions of Python on your local system with ease. But before we get started, let's first understand what pyenv is.

Pyenv is a straightforward tool designed to make managing different Python versions a breeze. It provides a clean and isolated environment for each Python version, ensuring that your projects are shielded from any changes made to other versions. With pyenv, you can seamlessly switch between different Python versions, making it effortless to reproduce issues in specific environments.

Now that we know what pyenv is, let's jump into the installation process. The steps may vary depending on your operating system, but fear not, I'll guide you through it.

If you're using Linux, start by installing the necessary dependencies for pyenv to function properly. Open your terminal and enter the following command:

apt install -y make build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev \
libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libncurses5-dev \
libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libffi-dev liblzma-dev python-openssl \
git

This will ensure everything is set up correctly.

Next, let's clone the pyenv repository. Execute the following command in your terminal:

git clone https://github.com/pyenv/pyenv.git ~/.pyenv

This command will install pyenv in the ~/.pyenv directory on your system.

Great! Now that pyenv is installed, let's configure your profile. Open your terminal and enter the following commands:

echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'command -v pyenv >/dev/null || export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init -)"' >> ~/.bashrc

These commands will set up the necessary environment variables for pyenv to work properly. Don't forget to relaunch your terminal for the changes to take effect.

For those using macOS, you can install pyenv quickly using Homebrew. Open your terminal and enter the following command:

brew install pyenv

Once pyenv is installed, you're ready to start managing your Python installations.

Now that we have pyenv set up, let's take a look at installing different Python versions. To install a specific version, use the pyenv install command followed by the version number. For example, to install Python 3.9.6, execute:

pyenv install 3.9.6

This command will download and install Python 3.9.6 in the ~/.pyenv/versions directory.

To see a list of all installed Python versions, use the pyenv versions command:

pyenv versions
  system
  * 3.7.10 (set by /Users/user/.pyenv/version)
  * 3.9.6 (set by /Users/user/.pyenv/version)

Once you have multiple Python versions installed, you might want to specify a global version for all your projects. To do this, use the pyenv global command followed by the desired version number. For example:

pyenv global 3.9.2

This sets Python 3.9.2 as the default version for all new shell sessions.

But what if you need to set a specific Python version for a particular project? Fear not, pyenv has you covered. Using the pyenv local command, you can specify a Python version for a specific project. For instance:

pyenv local 3.7.3

Executing this command will create a .python-version file in your current directory, indicating which Python version should be used for that project. Remember to install any necessary dependencies for each Python version you switch to.

And that's it! You're now equipped with pyenv, a powerful tool to manage multiple Python versions on your local machine. With clean, isolated environments for each version, your projects will stay safe from any conflicts caused by changes in other versions. Switching between Python versions and setting global or local versions for your projects has never been easier.

[Closing]

Thank you for tuning in to "Continuous Improvement." I hope you found this episode on pyenv helpful. If you have any questions or suggestions for future topics, feel free to reach out. Until next time, happy coding!

  • in zh
  • 2 min read

使用 Pyenv 設定 Python

在你的本地機器上設定Python可能是一個挑戰，特別是當你需要管理多個Python版本時。如果你需要在某個專門的Python環境中複製一個問題，而那個環境你目前沒有，那麼Pyenv會非常方便。在這篇博客文章中，我們將探討如何使用pyenv設定Python。

什麼是Pyenv？

Pyenv是一個直接的工具，可以讓你在本地機器上安裝和管理多版本的Python。它可以順暢地切換不同的Python版本並為每一個版本提供一個乾淨的、隔離環境，確保你的項目不受其他版本變化的影響。

安裝Pyenv

在使用pyenv之前，建議移除任何未被pyenv管理的pip實例。這是一個預防性的步驟，可能可以預防未來的衝突。

安裝過程取決於你的操作系統。對於Linux用戶，你首先需要下載pyenv正常運作所需的依賴項：

apt install -y make build-essential libssl-dev zlib1g-dev \
libbz2-dev libreadline-dev libsqlite3-dev wget curl llvm libncurses5-dev \
libncursesw5-dev xz-utils tk-dev libffi-dev liblzma-dev python-openssl \
git

接下來，克隆pyenv存儲庫：

git clone https://github.com/pyenv/pyenv.git ~/.pyenv

此命令將在你的系統的~/.pyenv目錄中安裝pyenv。要設置你的配置文件：

echo 'export PYENV_ROOT="$HOME/.pyenv"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'command -v pyenv >/dev/null || export PATH="$PYENV_ROOT/bin:$PATH"' >> ~/.bashrc
echo 'eval "$(pyenv init -)"' >> ~/.bashrc

你需要重新啟動你的終端機以使這些變更生效。

對於Mac用戶，可以使用Homebrew安裝pyenv：

brew install pyenv

一旦安裝了pyenv，你就可以開始使用它來管理你的Python安裝。

安裝Python版本

要安裝特定的Python版本，使用pyenv install命令後跟版本號。例如，安裝Python 3.9.6：

pyenv install 3.9.6

這個命令將在~/.pyenv/versions目錄中下載和安裝Python 3.9.6。

你可以使用versions命令列出所有已安裝的Python版本：

pyenv versions
  system
  * 3.7.10 (set by /Users/user/.pyenv/version)
  * 3.9.6 (set by /Users/user/.pyenv/version)

設定全域Python版本

要為所有你的項目指定一個全域Python版本，使用pyenv global命令：

pyenv global 3.9.2

這將設定Python 3.9.2為所有新的shell session的默認版本。

設定本地Python版本

要為特定項目設定Python版本，使用pyenv local命令：

pyenv local 3.7.3

這會在當前目錄創建一個.python-version文件，指出該項目應該使用哪個Python版本。請注意，當你切換到每個Python版本時，你需要安裝所有必需的依賴項。

結論

Pyenv是一個強大的工具，能夠在你的本地機器上管理多版本的Python。它為每個Python版本提供乾淨、隔離的環境，確保你的項目不受其他版本變化的影響。有了pyenv，切換Python版本並為你的項目設置全域和本地版本變得直接簡單。

  • 3 min read

Singapore Startup Ecosystem

I have lived in Singapore for two and a half years. It is recognized as one of the top startup ecosystems in the world, boasting a thriving community of entrepreneurs and a supportive business environment. In this blog post, we will explore the factors contributing to Singapore's success as a startup hub and highlight some of the most promising players in the ecosystem.

Government Support

The Singaporean government has been a staunch supporter of the startup ecosystem, offering funding, infrastructure, and regulatory support to help entrepreneurs succeed. Initiatives such as the Startup SG scheme and the SGInnovate program have been launched to provide grants and mentorship to early-stage and deep tech startups in areas like AI and robotics.

Government-Led Venture Catalysts

Government Agencies

Additionally, the government has established several co-working spaces, accelerators, and incubators, such as BLOCK71, to offer startups affordable office spaces along with mentorship and networking opportunities.

Talent Pool

Singapore has a highly-skilled and diverse workforce, attracting talent from around the globe. The country's excellent education system and favorable immigration policies make it easy for startups to attract and retain top talent.

The government has also introduced entrepreneurship education in schools and universities to encourage young people to venture into business.

Investment Opportunities

Singapore enjoys a robust investment landscape, featuring a growing number of venture capitalists, angel investors, and corporate investors. Investment activity has surged in recent years, with billions of dollars invested in startups across various industries.

Venture Capital

Early Stage Accelerators

Incubators

Crowdfunding Platforms

The presence of major global investors like Softbank, Sequoia, and Accel Partners also helps attract further investment and gives startups access to global markets.

Promising Startups

Singapore is home to several promising startups across various sectors such as fintech, biotech, and e-commerce. Some of the most notable include:

  • Grab: Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing and logistics platform, valued at over $16 billion.
  • Carousell: An online marketplace for buying and selling secondhand goods, boasting over 30 million listings across eight markets.

Other Key Players in the Ecosystem

Crowdsourcing Platforms

Intellectual Property

Apprenticeships

Other Useful Associations

Conclusion

Based on my experience with both the Hong Kong and Singaporean startup ecosystems, I can say that Singapore has come a long way in a relatively short period. This is due to a combination of strong government support, a skilled workforce, and a vibrant investment community. With its favorable business climate and strategic location in Southeast Asia, Singapore is well-positioned to continue attracting entrepreneurs and investors from around the world, thereby driving innovation and growth in the region.

  • in podcast
  • 4 min read

Singapore Startup Ecosystem

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast that explores the art of entrepreneurship and the pursuit of success. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the exciting world of startup ecosystems. In particular, we'll be taking a closer look at Singapore and what makes it a thriving hub for startups. Join me as we explore the factors contributing to Singapore's success and highlight some of the most promising players in the ecosystem. Let's get started!

When it comes to creating a supportive environment for startups, Singapore's government takes the lead. Through initiatives like the Startup SG scheme and the SGInnovate program, they provide funding, mentorship, and regulatory support to help entrepreneurs thrive. Speaking of which, one outstanding organization in Singapore's ecosystem is SGInnovate. They focus on deep tech startups, making sure they get the right support to develop their ideas into scalable solutions. You can find out more about them at sginnovate.com.

Beyond SGInnovate, there are other key government agencies playing a vital role in Singapore's startup ecosystem. A*Star and GovTech are just a few examples. A*Star supports enterprises in technology and innovation, while GovTech works on digital transformation across the government. These agencies provide invaluable resources and assistance to propel startups forward. You can find out more about their efforts at a-star.edu.sg/enterprise and tech.gov.sg.

But it doesn't end there. The Singaporean government has gone a step further by creating co-working spaces, accelerators, and incubators like BLOCK71. These spaces not only provide affordable office spaces but also serve as hubs for mentorship and networking opportunities. BLOCK71 is a prime example of this phenomenon, and you can learn more about them at singapore.block71.co.

Another key ingredient in Singapore's startup success story is its talented workforce. With an excellent education system and favorable immigration policies, Singapore attracts top talent from around the globe. The government has even introduced entrepreneurship education in schools and universities, encouraging young people to venture into the world of business. NUS GRIP, for example, is an initiative by the National University of Singapore that empowers students to explore entrepreneurship. To learn more, visit nus.edu.sg/grip.

Of course, no thriving startup ecosystem is complete without investment opportunities. And Singapore boasts a robust investment landscape. Venture capital firms like EDBI and Vertex Ventures are actively investing in promising startups, while early-stage accelerators like Antler and incubators like Innovate360 provide crucial support for startups in their early days. And for those looking for alternative fundraising options, crowdfunding platforms like Angel Central and Auk Industries offer a unique way to secure funds. You can find out more about these investment players and crowdfunding platforms at edbi.com, vertexventures.sg, antler.co, innovate360.sg, angelcentral.co, and auk.industries.

It's worth noting that Singapore's startup ecosystem also benefits from major global investors, such as Softbank, Sequoia, and Accel Partners. Their presence attracts further investment and provides startups with access to global markets, opening doors to endless possibilities.

Now, let's take a moment to highlight some of the promising startups in Singapore's ecosystem. Grab, Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing and logistics platform, valued at over $16 billion, undoubtedly stands out. Another notable startup is Carousell, an online marketplace for buying and selling secondhand goods. With over 30 million listings across eight markets, Carousell has created a significant impact.

In addition to these startups, Singapore is home to other key players in the ecosystem. Crowdsourcing platforms like the Open Innovation Platform and intellectual property organizations like IPI contribute to the innovation landscape. And for those interested in apprenticeships, Innosparks provides invaluable opportunities. To discover more about these key players and associations, check out the links in the episode description.

As our discussion comes to a close, it's clear that Singapore has managed to create a thriving startup ecosystem in a relatively short period. The combination of strong government support, a skilled workforce, and a vibrant investment community has propelled Singapore to the forefront of innovation. With its favorable business climate and strategic location in Southeast Asia, it's no wonder that entrepreneurs and investors from around the world are drawn to this dynamic ecosystem.

That wraps up this episode of Continuous Improvement. Thank you for joining me as we explored Singapore's startup ecosystem and the factors contributing to its success. Stay tuned for more exciting episodes where we delve into the world of entrepreneurship. Until next time, keep innovating, keep improving, and keep pursuing success. This is Victor, signing off.

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

新加坡創業生態系統

我在新加坡生活了兩年半。它被認為是全球最頂尖的創業生態系統之一，擁有一個蓬勃發展的企業家社區和一個支持業務環境。在此博客文章中，我們將探索新加坡作為創業樞紐成功的因素，以及在生態系統中最有前途的角色。

政府支持

新加坡政府一直是創業生態系統的堅固支持者，提供資金、基礎設施和監管支持，以幫助企業家成功。例如，推出了Startup SG計劃和SGInnovate計劃，以向初創階段和深度科技初創企業提供資助和指導，如AI和機器人技術領域。

政府主導的創業催化劑

政府機構

此外，政府設立了一些共享工作空間，加速器和孵化器，如BLOCK71，為初創企業提供價格合理的辦公空間，以及指導和交流機會。

人才儲備

新加坡擁有一個高度技能和多樣化的勞動力，吸引了來自世界各地的人才。該國的優秀教育體系和有利的移民政策使初創公司容易吸引和留住頂尖人才。

政府也在學校和大學介紹創業教育，以鼓勵年輕人開展業務。

投資機會

新加坡享有強大的投資景觀，擁有越來越多的風險投資家，天使投資人和企業投資人。近年來，投資活動激增，數十億美元投入到各個行業的初創公司。

風險資本

初創階段加速器

孵化器

群眾募資平台

像Softbank、Sequoia和Accel Partners這樣的全球大型投資者的存在也有助於吸引更多的投資並使初創企業進入全球市場。

有前途的創業公司

新加坡是金融科技、生物科技和電子商務等各行各業的一些有前途的初創公司的家園。其中最著名的包括：

  • Grab：東南亞領先的共乘和物流平台，價值超過160億美元。
  • Carousell：一個用於買賣二手商品的在線市場，在八個市場上有超過3000萬個清單。

生態系統中的其他關鍵角色

眾籌平台

知識產權

學徒制

其他有用的協會

總結

基於我對香港和新加坡創業生態系統的經驗，我可以說新加坡在相對短的時間內取得了長足的進步。這得益於強大的政府支持、熟練的勞動力和活躍的投資社區的組合。憑藉其良好的商業氣候和在東南亞的策略地位，新加坡有望繼續吸引來自世界各地的企業家和投資者，從而推動該地區的創新和增長。

  • 4 min read

Start With Why - Book Review

To me, "Start with Why" suggests that when a new request comes in, it's essential to begin by asking for the reason behind it. Instead of focusing solely on the "what" or "how" of a task, I should consider why I am undertaking it in the first place.

According to Simon Sinek, understanding our "why"—our deeper motivation—better equips us to make decisions, stay motivated, and effectively communicate our message to others. Starting with why helps us create a clear and compelling vision of what we want to achieve, ensuring our actions align with our values and beliefs.

I believe that starting with "why" is a potent tool for both personal and professional growth. It enables us to tap into our deeper sense of purpose and create more meaningful outcomes in our lives. For instance, I can help a software developer on my team understand why they are building a feature requested by customers. Simultaneously, I can ask the customers why they have made such a request, enabling the team to understand their deeper motivations and propose better solutions.

Simon Sinek introduces the concept of the "Golden Circle" in his book. It's a framework that consists of three concentric circles: "Why," "How," and "What." The outer circle represents what an organization or individual does; the middle circle explains how they do it, and the innermost circle expresses why they do it.

Sinek argues that the most successful leaders and organizations start with "Why" and work their way outward. This approach inspires and engages others on an emotional level, leading to greater loyalty and success. Those who begin with "What" or "How" often struggle to stand out in a crowded market.

The Golden Circle is instrumental for my company, Thought Machine, where we are building the future of banking. It's crucial for my team to understand this and align our goals accordingly.

Sinek's statement, "People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it," resonates with me. Customers are more likely to be drawn to a company that shares their values rather than just offers a particular product or service. At Thought Machine, this statement rings true; our mission is to employ the best modern software practices to run the world's banks, and clients who share these values are more likely to invest in our products and services.

Similarly, my clients are not just looking for technical skills; they seek a consultant who understands their unique challenges and is committed to delivering value beyond the scope of the project. In this context, the "why" of my team can be just as important as the "what" of the services provided.

Sinek's ideas closely relate to the concept of identity on both individual and organizational levels. Understanding one's "why" helps clarify personal identity and can serve as a unifying force within an organization, aligning employees, partners, and customers around a shared vision.

At Thought Machine, our "why" might be to revolutionize banking technology. Our "how" could involve leveraging cutting-edge technologies like cloud computing, and our "what" would be our specific products and services, such as our core banking platform, Vault. Starting with "why" allows us to articulate our purpose clearly and connect emotionally with stakeholders, fostering a sense of purpose and motivation among our employees.

Trust tends to emerge when we sense that another individual or organization is driven by something other than self-gain. When we perceive that someone is genuinely committed to a larger cause, trust and connection follow. This principle is highly relevant at Thought Machine, which seeks to transform the banking industry. Employees who share common values are more likely to trust each other and work collaboratively towards common goals.

Apple is another company that starts with "why." Its focus on innovation, design, and user experience has earned it global trust and respect. By prioritizing its "why," Apple has attracted top talent and fostered loyalty among customers, employees, and partners.

In conclusion, I highly recommend this book to anyone feeling lost in their endeavors. Asking yourself the simple question "why" can powerfully help you identify the purpose behind what you are doing.

  • in podcast
  • 3 min read

Start With Why - Book Review

Welcome back to Continuous Improvement, the podcast dedicated to personal and professional growth. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the concept of starting with "why."

In a recent blog post, I explored the idea of beginning any task or request by asking for the reason behind it. Simon Sinek, in his book "Start with Why," emphasizes the importance of understanding our deeper motivations, as it enables us to make better decisions, stay motivated, and effectively communicate our message to others.

Sinek introduces the concept of the "Golden Circle," which consists of three concentric circles: why, how, and what. The outer circle represents what an organization or individual does, the middle circle explains how they do it, and the innermost circle expresses why they do it. According to Sinek, starting with "why" inspires and engages others on an emotional level.

At my company, Thought Machine, where we are building the future of banking, the Golden Circle is a crucial framework for us. It helps our team align our goals and truly understand the purpose behind our work.

But why does starting with "why" matter? Well, Sinek's statement, "People don't buy WHAT you do; they buy WHY you do it," holds truth in today's world. Customers are not just looking for a product or service; they are seeking a connection with a company that shares their values. By starting with "why," we can articulate our purpose clearly and connect with our clients on a deeper level.

In fact, this concept extends beyond companies. As individuals, understanding our "why" can help us clarify our own identities. It serves as a unifying force within organizations, aligning employees, partners, and customers around a shared vision.

Take Apple, for example, a company that starts with "why." Their focus on innovation, design, and user experience has earned them global trust and respect. By prioritizing their "why," they have attracted top talent and fostered loyalty among customers, employees, and partners.

So, how can we apply this concept in our own lives? Whether you're a software developer building a feature or a consultant providing services, understanding the "why" behind what you do is just as important as the "what." Knowing your purpose can help you deliver value beyond expectations and build lasting relationships.

Starting with "why" also fosters trust and connection. When people perceive that you are genuinely committed to a larger cause, they are more likely to trust and work collaboratively with you. Trust is crucial, especially in industries undergoing transformation, like the banking sector we operate in at Thought Machine.

So, what's your "why"? Take the time to reflect on your deeper motivations and let them guide your actions. Remember, starting with "why" can unlock a world of possibilities and lead you to a more meaningful and fulfilling life.

That's it for today's episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found value in exploring the concept of starting with "why." Join me next time as we continue our journey towards personal and professional growth.

Thank you for listening to Continuous Improvement. Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and leave a review to help us reach more listeners. You can also follow us on social media for daily inspiration and updates. Until next time, keep growing, keep improving.

[FADE OUT]

  • in zh
  • 1 min read

從為什麼開始 - 書評

對我來說，“從為什麼開始”這書建議我們當有新的請求時，確定先詢問背後的原因是至關重要的。而不是只專注於任務的“做什麼”或“如何做”，我應該要考慮我為什麼首先會執行它。

根據Simon Sinek的說法，理解我們的“為什麼”，也就是我們更深入的動力，能夠更好地裝備我們做出決策，保持動力，並有效地向他人傳達我們的訊息。從為什麼開始能夠幫助我們創造我們想要達到的清晰和有影響力的願景，確保我們的行為與我們的價值觀和信念相符。

我相信從“為什麼”開始是個對個人和專業成長都非常有效的工具。它使我們能夠更深入地揭示我們的目標，並在我們的生活中創造更有意義的結果。例如，我可以幫助我團隊中的一個軟件開發人員理解他們為什麼要為客戶開發某個功能。同時，我可以問客戶為什麼他們提出這樣的需求，讓團隊能了解他們更深層次的動機，並提出更好的解決方案。

Simon Sinek在他的書中介紹了“黃金圈”的概念。這是一個由三個同心圓組成的框架：“為何”，“如何”和“什麼”。最外面的圓代表一個組織或個人正在做什麼；中間的圓解釋他們如何做到這一點，最內部的圓表達他們為什麼要這樣做。

Sinek辯稱，最成功的領導者和組織從“為什麼”開始，然後向外擴展。這種方法在情感層面上激勵和吸引他人，從而帶來更大的忠誠度和成功。那些以“做什麼”或“如何做”為起點的人通常在競爭激烈的市場中難以脫穎而出。

黃金圈對我們公司Thought Machine非常重要，因為我們正在構建銀行的未來。我們團隊理解這一點並相應地調整我們的目標是至關重要的。

Sinek的說法，“人們購買的不是你做什麼，而是你為什麼要做”，給我留下了深刻的印象。客戶更可能被與他們共享價值觀的公司吸引，而不僅僅是提供某種產品或服務的公司。在Thought Machine，這句話非常適用；我們的使命是利用最佳的現代軟件實踐來運行世界各地的銀行，與我們共享這些價值觀的客戶更可能對我們的產品和服務進行投資。

同樣，我的客戶不只是在尋找技術技能；他們尋求的是一個理解他們獨特挑戰並致力於提供超出項目範圍的價值的顧問。在這種情況下，我的團隊的“為什麼”可能與所提供的服務的“做什麼”一樣重要。

Sinek的想法與個人和組織層面上的認同感結合得非常緊密。理解一個人的“為什麼”有助於澄清個人的身份，並且可以作為組織內團結的力量，將員工、合作夥伴和顧客圍繞著共享的願景。

在Thought Machine，我們的“為什麼”可能是要革新銀行科技。我們的“如何”可能涉及利用最新的技術，如雲計算，我們的“做什麼”將是我們的具體產品和服務，例如我們的核心銀行平台，Vault。從“為什麼”開始使我們能夠清晰地表述我們的目的，並在情感上與利益相關者連繫，培養我們員工的使命感和幹勁。

當我們覺得另一個個體或組織被某種大於自我利益的事物驅動時，信任往往就會出現。當我們覺得某人真正致力於一個更大的事業時，就會出現信任和聯繫。這一原則在Thought Machine公司非常適用，該公司致力於轉變銀行業。有共享價值觀的員工更可能相互信任，並合作實現共同的目標。

Apple也是一個從“為什麼”開始的公司。其對創新、設計和用戶體驗的關注已贏得了全球的信任和尊重。通過將“為什麼”置於優先位置，Apple已經吸引了頂尖的人才，並在顧客、員工和合作夥伴中間建立了忠誠度。

最後，我強烈推薦這本書給那些在他們的努力中感到迷失的人。問自己一個簡單的問題“為什麼”可以有力地幫助你確定自己正在做的事情的目的。

  • 5 min read

Taking Career Guidance to the Next Level

Career guidance plays a vital role in professional growth, and mentoring is an essential part of this journey. Unlike short-term, specific goals that can be achieved quickly but may decrease commitment, a broader vision and overall purpose offer a long-term perspective and foster deeper reflection. As a mentor, I aim to elevate my mentee's career to the next level. Here are some tips on providing effective career guidance:

1. Understand Your Mentee’s Goals

The first step in effective mentoring is understanding your mentee's goals. Listen carefully to their aspirations and ambitions to tailor your advice and resources to meet their specific needs.

SMART goals are particularly important, as they not only focus on outcomes but also on the effort required. Ask your mentee what skill or attribute they wish to improve to perform better in their role. Then, help them set a specific goal in that area.

SMART Goal Checklist

Specific

  • Good goals are behavior-specific.
  • Non-specific goal: I want to write more efficiently.
  • Specific goal: I will improve my writing efficiency by outlining my work first, then drafting, and finally editing the following day.

Measurable

  • Goals should be measurable to track progress.
  • Non-measurable goal: I want to increase sales.
  • Measurable goal: I aim to boost sales by 15% next quarter. Beware of making the measurement too granular, as it can become burdensome to track.

Achievable

  • Create stepping stones to make the goal seem more attainable.
  • Achievable goals depend on your having access to the necessary resources. For instance, running a marathon in three months is not achievable if you've never exercised before.

Realistic

  • Ensure the goal is plausible within a given timeframe.
  • A realistic goal builds upon previous achievements. Setting a goal to make 15 new sales contacts in one week is not realistic if the mentee has not made any sales contacts in the past two months.

Time-bound

  • Define a timeline for achieving the goal.
  • A goal to earn a promotion in six months may not be timely if the organization generally promotes employees annually or biennially.

Action Steps

  • Continue doing (Current effective practices)
  • Stop doing (Current practices that should be eliminated)
  • Start doing (New practices to adopt)
  • Never start doing (Things to avoid)

2. Identify Your Mentee's Strengths and Weaknesses

Understanding your mentee's strengths allows you to help them leverage these in their career. Recognizing their weaknesses helps you collaborate on developing strategies for improvement.

To gain insights into their strengths, weaknesses, interests, and attitudes, consider using a life ladder activity. In this exercise, each rung of the ladder represents a significant life experience and its accompanying lessons.

Life Ladder

  1. Each rung should represent a challenging life experience or event.
  2. Under each rung, note the lessons learned from that experience, such as personal development or acquired skills.

Encourage your mentee to share their life ladder and discuss their strengths, interests, and potential weaknesses based on these milestones.

3. Develop a Plan of Action

After identifying goals, strengths, and weaknesses, formulate a specific action plan. This should include achievable steps, such as enrolling in training programs, networking, and exploring potential career paths.

Writing Letters to Yourself

Write a letter to your future self about your goals and aspirations. Revisit these letters at year-end to measure your growth.

Part 1: The Present Me

  • Where do you currently see yourself?
  • How do you wish to grow?
  • What habits or practices would you like to adopt?

Part 2: The Future Me

  • Where do you see yourself in six months?
  • What do you aim to achieve by then?
  • What words of encouragement would you offer yourself?

4. Foster Self-Awareness – Emphasize Core Values

Values shape our actions and decisions. Understanding and applying your core values in your career can be transformative.

Steps

  1. Introduce the concept of values.
  2. List 15 values important to you in both career and life planning.
  3. Narrow down the list to four core values and explain their significance.
  4. Discuss how these values are relevant in your workplace.
  5. Conclude by summarizing how your core values influence your professional life.

5. Explore Potential Career Pathways

Steps

  1. Reflect on your interests, competencies, and personality.
  2. Review your past job experiences and assess the skills you've gained.
  3. Identify potential career paths based on your reflections.

Facilitate the discovery process with your mentee, and together, you'll be well-prepared to explore their potential career options.

With these tips, you’ll not only provide effective guidance to your mentees but also contribute to their long-term professional success. With a clear path ahead, you’ll ensure that you're equipping your mentees with the tools they need to ascend to the next level in their careers.

  • in podcast
  • 2 min read

Taking Career Guidance to the Next Level

Welcome to Continuous Improvement, the podcast that aims to help you elevate your career to new heights. I'm your host, Victor, and today we're diving into the topic of effective career guidance through mentoring. Whether you're a seasoned professional looking to give back or a mentee seeking guidance, these tips will be invaluable. So, let's get started!

The first step in effective mentoring is understanding your mentee's goals. You need to listen carefully to their aspirations and ambitions in order to provide tailored advice. One helpful framework for setting goals is the SMART goal checklist. It stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, and Time-bound.

Another important aspect of effective mentoring is identifying your mentee's strengths and weaknesses. By understanding their strengths, you can help them leverage those in their career. And by recognizing their weaknesses, you can collaborate on strategies for improvement. One useful exercise for gaining insights is the life ladder activity.

Now that you have a clear understanding of your mentee's goals, strengths, and weaknesses, it's time to develop a plan of action. This plan should include achievable steps that will help your mentee progress in their career. One powerful tool for this is writing letters to yourself.

Moving on, fostering self-awareness and emphasizing core values can be transformative in one's career. Values shape our actions and decisions, so it's important to understand and apply our core values in the workplace. Let's explore how to do that.

Lastly, it's crucial to help your mentee explore potential career pathways. By reflecting on their interests, competencies, and past experiences, they can uncover exciting opportunities. Let's dive into the steps to facilitate this discovery process.

And there you have it - tips for providing effective career guidance. By understanding your mentee's goals, identifying their strengths and weaknesses, developing a plan of action, fostering self-awareness, and exploring potential career pathways, you'll be well on your way to helping your mentee achieve professional success.

Thank you for joining me on this episode of Continuous Improvement. I hope you found these tips valuable and can apply them in your mentoring journey. Remember, continuous improvement is the key to personal and professional growth. Stay tuned for more episodes that will help you reach new heights in your career. Until next time, this is Victor signing off.