Are you looking to identify the next role you want to take on in your company? Or, maybe you are considering a complete career transition. When you reach a personal and professional crossroad, a mentor can provide the encouragement and guidance you need to choose the next path.
Are you skeptical about the role of a mentor? If you’ve not used a mentor before, consider these questions about mentoring from author George Torok in this issue of Promotional Consultant Today.
1. What is mentoring? Mentoring is a special relationship between a more experienced professional and an up-and-coming professional. It’s the relationship between a master and an apprentice. The mentor’s role is to teach, coach and encourage.
2. Why have a mentor? Your mentor can help you avoid costly mistakes and cut years off your growth curve. At critical times in your development your mentor can offer you the course correction or key piece of advice. Nothing beats one-on-one attention and instruction.
3. How else might a mentor help you in business? A mentor gives you what you can’t get from books, such as open doors of opportunity. She might introduce you to key contacts. And by virtue of being associated with your mentor, others will see you differently and grant you more respect and opportunity. You might even partner with your mentor on a project or product.
4. Why would that person mentor you? A real mentor helps you because he wants to. He picked you because he sees something of himself in you. He has the opportunity to pass on his knowledge and perspective to one who appreciates it.
5. How can you find your mentor? Clearly identify your growth needs to create a profile of what you need from a mentor. Describe your ideal mentor in terms of her experience, perspective, accomplishments, etc. Then go where you will most likely find her, at business events, association or industry meetings, even in your community. Many successful people volunteer for charities and community service groups.
Another way to make first contact is to interview your prospective mentor targets. You might write a report or article for a business publication, trade magazine or your association newsletter. Use that as an excuse to contact and interview the people you want to meet.
6. What mistakes should you avoid? Respect your mentor’s time. Remember you are the apprentice. Don’t ask for advice and ignore it, or worse, discount it. When you are confused, ask for clarification. If you don’t feel right about the advice tell him. Don’t argue. Be sure to report your results, good and bad, to your mentor. Don’t embarrass your mentor with questionable or unethical behavior.
Your mentor can’t guarantee your success. She can only advise, challenge and encourage you. You need to show her your drive and results.
Source: George Torok is coauthor of the bestseller, Secrets of Power Marketing: Promote Brand You. He also delivers inspirational keynotes and practical training programs across North America on presentation skills, creative problem solving and personal marketing.
