In many other industries or practices, mentorship is the norm. You have someone to ask those ‘dumb’ questions, someone to teach and guide, someone to help you succeed, and someone who takes personal investment in YOU.
Why should you seek a mentor?
Encouragement
Who doesn’t need encouragement, especially when you’ve made a mistake or what I like to say, “learned from a life lesson”?! A good mentor will give you the courage to continue on. They will help motivate you. Sometimes with a simple phone call, you’ll know you’re on the right track.
Reduce Mistakes, A.K.A, Life Lessons
Experience speaks volumes and a mentor often has more than you. Listen, learn, and let them guide you. There are two ways to learn from mistakes; making them yourself or learning from someone who has already made them. The important life lesson: We all know business is fast and furious. You don’t have time to make all the mistakes you need to be successful.
Accentuate your Strengths
Your mentor will help you learn how to be the best version of you. They will see qualities in you that you may not yet see in yourself, plus, that person will hone in on those qualities and bring them to the forefront. All of this will help you become more successful.
Honesty
Sometimes it’s hard to hear the truth, right? However, the truth is what your mentor should provide. Their goal is for you to succeed. You become better when they are honest with you. We all need to know the side of ourselves we don’t see; that’s what a good mentor will do for you. Once you’re able to look at yourself through their view, you’ll know you’re on the right track to becoming a better you.
How Do You Find a Mentor? (It’s actually not that hard!)
Write down what you want.
Clarify your objectives and goals. Clearly write out your expectations. What do you want from the mentor? How can they help you achieve your goals?
Think outside the box, or cubicle or office.
Find someone who you deem successful. Understand that they don’t have to be in your industry or circle to mentor you.
Set up a meeting.
Ask them to be your mentor. You will be surprised that many people will be honored you’re thinking of them in such a way.
Be clear with your mentor.
Once someone agrees to be your mentor, outline your expectations, goals and objectives. Review everything with them, seeking their input on what they can or possibly cannot provide. Establish a regular routine of meetings, determine a schedule, and then hold yourself accountable.
Having a mentor should help you succeed in your career. Many people are willing and wanting to help. You just have to ask!
Christine Phillips-Bradford
*Director of Sales, Walmart & Sam’s Club – NBTY – US Nutrition
*Title and company of the author reflect their position at the time article was written.
The opinions expressed here by guest bloggers are their own, not necessarily those of Stout Executive Search.