I don’t mean the title to sound snobby, but so much of what you hear is about mentors and sponsors…who typically are more senior than you.  I find there is tremendous value in those people who are lower in the organization who are high performers, tell you the truth, and can be trusted to have a conversation. (Here’s my litmus test: would I hire them if I left the organization?  If the answer is yes, they are probably someone I trust).

Often my conversations with more junior people tend to be about the questions they want to ask: about career, awkward situations, difficult people. What I have found to be interesting is their perspective on how things are going: what’s working, what needs improvement. “If there was one thing they could change, what would it be?” is the question I often ask if they seem reticent.

It’s easy as you get more senior to lose touch with organization: the higher you are, the more people want to please you by telling you what they think you want to hear. It’s important to have those people in the organization who you trust to give you their perspective. Chances are, it’s closer to reality.