Mentor Quote by Sheryl Sandberg
““Studies show that mentors select protégés based on performance and potential. Intuitively, people invest in those who stand out for their talent or who can really benefit from help. Mentors continue to invest when mentees use their time well and are truly open to feedback. (...) I believe we have sent the wrong message to young women. We need to stop telling them, "Get a mentor and you will excel." Instead, we need to tell them, "Excel and you will get a mentor." (p.68)””
About This Quote
Source Book: Lean In, Sheryl Sandberg, 2013
Mentors tend to choose high‑performing, high‑potential protégés, and continue supporting those who are receptive and make good use of guidance. The message should be that excellence attracts mentorship, not the reverse.
In simple terms: Mentors pick talent; excellence draws mentors.
Key Takeaway
Focus on performance before seeking mentors.
Themes
career development
mentorship
gender equity
leadership
performance
Mood
inspirational
critical
encouraging
Type
advice
motivational
reflective
When to use this quote
- Corporate mentorship programs
- career coaching
- women’s leadership initiatives
Key Concepts
Talent selection
reciprocity
feedback loops
Questions to Reflect On
- How can organizations create pathways that reward merit while ensuring diverse mentorship?
- What barriers prevent talented individuals from being recognized?
A Different Perspective
Excel and you will get a mentor.
![“We need to stop telling [women], "Get a mentor and you will excel." Instead, we need to tell them, "Excel and you will get a mentor.” quote by Sheryl Sandberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5c0/sheryl-sandberg-439_mentor_we-need-to-stop-telling-women-get-a-ment_528459.jpg)
![“[Eric Schmidt] explained that only one criterion that mattered when picking a job- fat growth. When companies grow quickly, there are more things to do than there are people to do them. When companies grow more slowly or stop growing, there is less to do and too many people to not be doing them…” quote by Sheryl Sandberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/23b/sheryl-sandberg-439_feminism_eric-schmidt-explained-that-only-one-cri_16526.jpg)
