Essential Qualities and Purposeful Steps in Choosing a Mentor
/Having a mentor makes the road to success easier. Carefully choosing a mentor can give you an advantage and create a life-long valuable relationship. Below are essential qualities to look for and a model to finding the correct one.
Essential Qualities every Mentor should have:
1. A mentor should have a relevant experience: Career growth is a typical initial reason to seek mentorship, but mentors are valuable in any area including financial/investment guidance or marriage. The priority should be to find someone with the suitable background, capability, and network.
2. A mentor should be an effective counselor: A mentor is both a catalyst and a sounding board. In an ideal world they will assist you in developing your individual wisdom and create your personal insight.
3. A mentor should have complementary strengths: Consider an individual who can support you in areas where you feel you are lacking. For example, if you are apprehensive about public speaking, investigate mentors who are dynamic speakers or make a living speaking in your industry.
4. A mentor should be high on the integrity scale: Look for someone whom you consider to be honest and trustworthy. It is not necessary that they be rich and famous. You need a mentor who shares your core values and who you connect to fundamentally. Respect and admiration are a great place to start.
Model to finding the correct Mentor:
1. Start with your network: The mentor that can change your life could be under your nose. We all have colleagues and associates that we marvel at and want to learn from. Approach them, they could be the one.
2. Research a wide group of possibilities: To find someone with the right experience and skills, you may need to go beyond your current network. Using LinkedIn or trade associations can be huge resources for finding mentors in your industry who have the experience you need.
3. Look for help: If you feel reluctant about asking someone to mentor you, remember that may feel flattered that you value their judgement and expertise. When approaching a mentor you don't know personally, send them an email introducing yourself and summarizing your needs. Asking for a brief meeting to discuss it and always pay for lunch/coffee.
4. Always get references: If your working with a paid mentor/coach, check their references first. Take time to evaluate the services they are offering. See if you can ask other clients if they are satisfied with what they are receiving.
5. Plan your objectives ahead of time: Start out with clearly identifying goals with your mentor. If you do decide to work together, develop measurable objectives and an evaluation plan. Create a timetable so you can track trajectory and progress. That initial discussion can make clear if your mentor has the time and resources to assistance you need.
6. Communicate often: Make sure you and your mentor both are clear on mutual expectations about the time commitment expected to invest in this relationship. Specify your need for meetings, calls or Zoom meetings. When working with senior professionals find out if you will be working with them directly or an associate of theirs.
7. Thank them for their value: Even if you pay them, remember to express your gratitude for them adding value to your life. Let them know you appreciate them with a call or small gift. Cherish the relationship and thank the person or group that connected you.
Everything in your life should be done with purpose. Choose the individuals you put in your circle wisely and you will be one step closer to get everything you want.