“If you cannot see where you are going
ask someone who has been there before”
– J Loren Norris
Who is a Mentor?
A mentor is just the a person who brings in a fresh perspective and throws new light in your life.
| Mentors are those who helps you in :
Making a mutual plan Encouraging to fulfill the goals. Nurturing Teaching Offering mutual respect and trust Responding to the learner’s needs |
Now, what is mentoring?
- Taking full responsibility for their career building?
- Simply counseling or coaching?
It’s none of the above. Mentoring comprises the following elements
- Open communication and accessibility to know the individual’s needs.
- Exchange of knowledge and ideas
- Planning and setting visions.
- Maintaining mutual respect and trust.
- Role modeling
Mentoring is an affair which consists of a professional union where an experienced or skilled person (the mentor) guides an individual(mentee) in formulating distinctive skills and knowledge that will help in the individual’s career growth and success.
How to Find the Right Mentor?
- In the first place, have a clear idea about your goals.
Before asking someone to be your mentor, you need to know what you exactly opt for.
- Where do you want to see yourself in the next three years?
- Do you need to switch from your present position?
- Where does your confusion actually lie?
Speculate your purpose in seeking a mentor. Having a clear idea about your goals doesn’t signify planning out your whole career.
- Comprehend what a mentor is and isn’t
Remember, a mentor is different from a sponsor.
A mentor is someone who acts as a pathfinder or guide. They encourage you to fulfill your dreams in a precise way. They are generally someone who is walking in the same path and has experienced all the sides of that particular field or someone in a similar role.
Whereas a sponsor uses his connection or channel to advocate for you and participate in your career growth.
- Most importantly, find the right people to mentor you
After figuring out the skills you are opting for, and the path you are targeting, start looking at groups, communities, companies, and networks around you who can lead you to a potential mentor.
Your mentor should not necessarily be an executive. He can be someone who has just experienced your dream journey and has enough practical knowledge to guide.
- Be distinct about what you want
Be sure to help your mentor understand what your needs are and where you are destined to be so that they could draw the routes of your map without having any misconception and you get the perceptions to your issues accordingly.
- Give valuable feedback to your mentor.
Whenever your mentor recommends any advice or suggestion, focus and cooperate with them by giving proper feedback. Try to reflect on what you are learning so that they become confident about their guidance and get more interested in you.
- Explore and establish a Relationship
It’s of utmost importance to feel free enough with your mentor to reveal doubts about yourself. Your mentor should be your friend to whom you could be honest, clear, and need not have to hide your weaknesses.
Mentors are just like mirrors, they are the reflection of your career. The world may look competitive and hard outside but remember, you are much more than what you think you are. Just imagine yourself in the shoes of your role model and go ahead.
