Why Do I Need A Mentor?
Mentors can help you get ahead. Many different fields have discovered the power of having a mentor - actors and entertainers for example.
Those just starting – college students with a professor, junior doctors with a more experienced doctor.
A trusted mentor can help you at any time in your life – when you career has hit a roadblock, or you can’t seem to make that next jump, or you want to try something completely different.
Mentors provide invaluable guidance in all these situations and more.
DECIDE ON YOUR NEEDS
It’s essential you get a mentor who is aligned with your needs and personal growth. A mentor can’t provide you with good advice if they’ve not experienced certain things themselves
Be clear why you want to find a mentor. Identify your goal and find someone who experienced the same or something similar. Their expertise can stop you making those same mistakes
FIND THE RIGHT PERSON
Once you know what type of mentor you need, narrow down your options. The differences between a good mentor and a great one are:
They’re not threatened by your success - they are proud of it
They don’t want to compete with you – they want to elevate you
They aren’t just interested in your success – they’re completely invested in it
WHEN YOU SUCCEED - THEY SUCCEED
They know how to motivate and challenge you to do more and achieve more
They spot areas for improvement, and they are completely honest with you whilst remaining respectful
They don’t don’t want you to become more like them. Instead, the recognise your individual strengths and help you use those to achieve success
They create a safe, trustworthy environment
EVALUATE YOUR FIT
Just because a mentor looks good on paper doesn’t mean the two of you will fit well together. Spend a little time with them before deciding if match
It might take more than one meeting to be certain and while you’re meeting, tune into how this person makes you feel
Are they really listening to you?
Are they spending too much time talking about themselves?
Are they supportive or dismissive of your aspirations?
When you leave the conversation are you energised or downheartened?
COMMIT
You have to commit to working with a mentor.
Making your time with them a priority.
Considering all their suggestions and advice carefully.
Be prepared for some difficult discussions and not give in when things get tough.
It’s important to remember that having a mentor was to help you develop, change and grow…
Growth can’t happen without a little (or sometimes a lot) of discomfort.
