Do you know how to select a good mentor?
When you’re reaching a goal, whether personal or business, one step to take is to find a mentor. But finding a mentor is more than picking someone out of thin air, it takes time to pick a good mentor. In addition to making sure that your mentor shares your convictions and life values, ask yourself the following questions before selecting your mentor.
- Do you want specific advice? What do you need the mentor for? Is it business related or is it personal? You will need to choose a mentor who has experience in the area you need.
- Do you want someone who just listens to you? Maybe you want someone who just listens to you once a month over lunch or a coffee meeting. Or maybe you want a weekly soundboard via email or phone. They do listen though, you just want them to listen. If this is the case, you will need to find someone who is interested and capable of doing it.
- Do you want someone complementary or opposite of you? Some people thrive in situations where their mentor challenges them, others wither under pressure. Be honest about what kind of person you are. There is no judgment, right or wrong, but you need to be honest with yourself about what type of person you are in order to find the right mentor for you.
- Do you want a role model? Should your mentor already be where you want to go and just model the behavior that got him there and let you watch? Sometimes all we need is access to someone we wouldn’t mind trading places with.
- Does this person give good advice now? If you are considering a certain person as a mentor, try asking for their advice to see how they handle it before you formally approach them with the idea of ​​mentoring. How do you feel about the tips? Not everyone who is successful can advise others on how to repeat their success.
- What can you offer your mentor in return?It is very important that you offer something in return to your mentor, either by showing gratitude or by giving feedback on the suggestions they give you. Also, you may have knowledge in an area that would benefit your mentor, or might be in a position to introduce you to someone you want to meet.
- Is the person willing to be a mentor? Not everyone wants to be a mentor. Many people will be honored that you have asked and will jump at the opportunity to help shape another human being into a successful person. But be prepared if your target is not interested. Whatever happens, it’s not personal. Keep looking.
- Do I need more than one mentor? If you have business aspirations as well as personal aspirations, you may need more than one mentor. For example, if you want to improve your diet and learn how to do better in business, you may need two separate mentors because they are different topics.
Selecting a good mentor requires a bit of time and consideration. Sometimes women spend more time selecting shoes or accessories than considering who they want to help design their lives. Look at potential mentors objectively, taking into account their skills, availability, and interest, and you’ll be more likely to find a mutually beneficial relationship.