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Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
Welcome to "Dear HR Diary," the unfiltered truth you wish they taught in management school. This podcast hosted by, ME, Dawn Hart, a seasoned HR and management professional with over 28 years of experience in the corporate world. Join me and some fantastic guests on a thrilling journey through the trenches of human resources and management, where expertise meets snark, sass, and a plethora of captivating stories.
Drawing from my extensive background in various industries, I will bring you a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of the workplace. Each episode is a rollercoaster ride filled with humorous anecdotes, jaw-dropping tales, and invaluable insights. Whether you're an HR professional, a manager trying to decode the complexities of office dynamics, or simply someone who appreciates a good story, this podcast is your go-to destination.
I love to apply my wealth of experience and some valuable tips to the "Dear HR Diary" podcast by diving deep into the nitty-gritty of HR, revealing the human side of human resources and the managing side of managing people. Expect laughter, enlightenment, and a healthy dose of snark and sass. Subscribe now and tune in to uncover the secrets, strategies, and scandals of the corporate world, all narrated with my fun, and sassy signature style. Your weekly dose of HR and management brilliance awaits!
Dear HR Diary - The Unfiltered Truth You Wish They Taught in Management School
S2 Ep 32: Graceful Growth: The Power of Mentors and Feedback with Thompson Dickerson
Mentoring isn’t just coffee chats and “pick your brain” DMs—it’s a performance accelerant. In this episode, Thompson Dickerson and I dig into why mentoring matters, how to find the right mentor (not just the most famous one), the difference between formal programs and informal “choose-your-own-adventure” mentoring, and the underrated superpower of receiving feedback with grace. Thompson also shares a personal mentoring story that changed her trajectory—and her playbook for keeping mentor relationships healthy, mutual, and results-focused.
Key Takeaways
- Mentoring = speed + safety. You get to skip avoidable mistakes and test ideas with someone who’s been there.
- Right fit > big name. Look for values alignment, relevant reps, and someone who gives feedback (not just stories).
- Formal vs. informal: Formal programs create access and structure; informal mentoring often delivers speed and chemistry. Use both.
- Own the asks. Come to sessions with goals, updates, and a “receipt” of what you tried since last time.
- Feedback is a leadership skill. Ask for it specifically, receive it calmly, and translate it into action fast.
- Close loops. Follow up with what you did and what changed—mentors invest more when they see impact.
Quote from Thompson:
“Great mentors don’t hand you answers—they hand you mirrors and maps. Your job is to walk.”
Resources You Can Use
- Thanks for the Feedback — Douglas Stone & Sheila Heen
- Radical Candor — Kim Scott
- The Coaching Habit — Michael Bungay Stanier
- HBR Guide to Getting the Mentoring You Need — Harvard Business Review
- Center for Creative Leadership (CCL) — Tools & articles on mentoring and feedback
- SHRM Mentorship Toolkit — Templates for formal programs
Episode Extras
- Reflection prompt: What feedback theme keeps showing up? What’s one behavior you’ll test this week?
- Manager challenge: Pair each new leader with a “situational mentor” for their biggest upcoming challenge.
Connect with Thompson Dickerson
- Email: Thompson.Dickerson@alumni.ou.edu
- LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomp7
CTA: If this episode helped, share it with a manager who’s mentoring (or needs one), leave a quick rating, and tell us your best mentoring win—we might feature it on a future episode.
Connect with Dawn:
Website: www.managewithhart.com
Instagram: @managewithhart