The advice was solid as nearly 30 Bismarck-Mandan YP Network members gathered together at the Bismarck Art and Galleries Association on July 23 for a candid talk with a few mentors from the Bismarck area. The Leadership Tips & Tricks Mentor Panel brought together three successful mentors who care deeply about the success of young professionals.

Judge Gail Hagerty, Bismarck District Judge and president of the ND State Bar Association, Murray Sagsveen, executive director of Leadership ND and Connie Sprynczynatyk, executive director of the ND League of Cities and former city commissioner, shared successes and failures and what they’ve learned along the way.

Enjoy a few highlights from the panel:

• Bring other people into the process, then stand back and let them take the credit.

• Learn from others who have been there before you.

• Sometimes you have to just close your eyes and jump.

• Look at your gifts objectively.

• Take a leap of faith, if nothing else it usually leads to growth opportunities.

• Form a small group of friends who can be advisors to your professional growth. Make sure they’re able to tell you the truth about yourself.

• Be involved in professional associations.

• Stay connected with people who challenge you.

• In regards to job hopping: There is a big difference between walking away from something and leaving because you’re moving toward something.

• Keep one foot nailed to the floor so the other can tap dance.

• Continually remind yourself of your priorities, so you can make sure what you’re spending your time on matches up.

• Let go of the things that don’t matter.

• Find your passion and spend time at it.

• Make time to spend alone to reflect.

• Consider joining a service club. You’ll meet great people and learn something new.

• Be a lifelong learner.

• Find things you love to do that help you work on skills that will help you grow in your profession.

• Find ways to say yes even though it’s easier to say no. When you say yes, be committed to following through.

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  (left to right) Judge Gail Hagerty, Murray Sagsveen, & Connie Sprynczynatyk

  Make the best decisions you can with the information you have.

• Learn from your mistakes and the mistakes of your mentors.

• When you make a mistake, learn what the lesson is and move on.

• You’re never too old to ask what you want to be when you grow up.

Photos courtesy of Megan Jundt.