Let me share one of the most important things you'll need in your career – a mentor. Yes, a mentor – someone who will support and guide you towards reaching your career goals.

In my early days, I expected my seniors to mentor me, to sit with me and guide me. But that doesn’t always happen. I changed workplaces few times, often because I felt I wasn’t getting the support I needed. Other times, it was for family reasons, compensation, or the mounting stress that took a toll on my mental and emotional health. The pace was overwhelming, and I found myself struggling to keep up.

Working in a fast-paced environment like Singapore, people might assume you "know everything" once you’ve secured a role, especially if you already have relevant experience. But let me tell you – it’s tough.

Now, I’m happy to say I’ve built trusting relationships with the people I work with. Looking back, I can admit that I was immature at first, often making decisions based on my emotions and even quitting when things got difficult.

So, what kind of leader should you seek out? Here’s what I’ve learned matters most.

Vision

You want a leader with a clear vision – someone who can ensure everyone is on the same path towards the same goals. A leader who sees the big picture and communicates not just the ‘what’, but the ‘why’. Why each task is important, why each contribution matters. This leader values long-term success and invests in training rather than criticism. Choose a leader who sets measurable goals and milestones, and who can inspire passion – not only when things are going well, but also during challenging times.

Integrity

Look for a mentor who embodies integrity, someone who will always remind you to “do the right thing.” You don’t want someone who encourages you to lie or cut corners. Choose a leader who is honest, true to their word, and upholds ethical standards, always.

Collaboration

Do you prefer working in a team or alone? I used to prefer doing things by myself. But over time, I learnt the value of collaboration through a leader who showed trust and support for everyone on the team. We were all engaged and motivated to achieve excellence. And when we failed? It wasn’t the end of the world. Failure became an opportunity to learn. “It’s okay, Cloydane, now you’ve learnt,” she would say, words I’ll never forget. Find a leader who encourages open discussion, who focuses on resolving conflicts effectively, and who never attacks you personally or professionally.

A leader who shows genuine care for their team

Everyone thrives when they feel appreciated. A good leader recognises achievements, offers encouragement, and shows sincere care, especially when life gets tough. A mentor listens and helps you navigate challenges. I remember my mentor saying to me, “Why worry about what others think of you?” She helped me realise that I should focus on what’s best for myself and my family. This level of care is something every great leader should show.

Flexibility with firm boundaries

A great leader knows how to set high expectations for excellence while being sensitive to when team members are overwhelmed. When I first opened up about my struggles, I feared my weaknesses would be misunderstood. I was wrong. The leader I found understood both my strengths and weaknesses. I hope everyone is lucky enough to find such a mentor.