Advice for Choosing a Mentor to Help Grow Your Career
Share
Having a mentor can make it easier to succeed in work or in life. Knowing how to choose a mentor can ensure that you make the most of this beneficial relationship. Here are some fundamental attributes to look for in an advisor, and a step-by-step guide to finding the right one for you.

Traits to Look for In a Mentor:

1. Focus on integrity. Look for someone whom you consider to be a good role model. You want an advisor who shares your core values. They don’t have to be rich and famous. Anyone you respect and regard may be a beneficial coach for you.

2. Seek a mentor with appropriate experience. Career growth may be the first thing that comes to mind, but mentors can help in any area including family issues or investment guidance. Look for someone with the appropriate background, expertise, and contacts.

3. Find someone with complementary strengths. Look for someone who can support you in areas where you feel that you need further improvement. For example, if you’re concerned about your presentation skills, you may want to look into people who are popular speakers in your niche.

4. Seek out a good listener. A mentor is usually a facilitator and a sounding board. Ideally, they’ll assist you in developing your own answers and generating your own solutions instead of giving you their answers.



Seven Steps to Finding the Best Mentor For You:

1. Start with people you know. The right advisor might be someone in your network right now. If you have colleagues and acquaintances that you admire and want to emulate, they could be fantastic candidates.

2. Seek out additional prospects. To find an individual with the right knowledge and qualifications, you may need to go beyond your current network. Online tools such as LinkedIn or local chapters of trade associations can be great resources for finding respected individuals in any industry.

3. Ask for help. If you feel shy about asking a person to mentor you, remember that your potential advisor may feel flattered that you recognize their wisdom and qualifications. If you’re approaching a mentor you don’t already know personally, you can send a letter of introduction summarizing your request and asking for a brief meeting to talk things over.

4. Get references. In case you decide to work with a paid mentor, check their references first to evaluate their services. Ask other clients if they have been satisfied with the return on their investment.

5. Discuss your ambitions. Get started by discussing your ambitions with your mentor. If you choose to work together, you’ll want to identify measureable objectives along with an evaluation strategy and schedule so you can monitor your progress. An initial conversation can determine if your mentor is really in a position to provide the kind of help you need.

6. Communicate regularly. Ensure you and your advisor both understand your mutual expectations concerning the amount of time you plan to commit to this relationship. If it matters to you, specify your desire for in-person meetings in addition to any teleconferences. Find out if you’ll be working with your chosen coach directly or an associate.

7. Thank your mentor. Even if your mentor works with you on a paid basis, remember to express your gratitude for their helpfulness. Tell them that you appreciate them. And remember to thank everyone who aids you in your search for an advisor. This may well be a process you’ll repeat throughout your life, so cherish these relationships.

Working with an advisor gives you the opportunity to learn from their background and expertise. Consider your mentors wisely, and you’ll be one step closer to getting the results you want in your career and your life.