It is always beneficial to have someone helping you through important decisions. Whether you are trying to pinpoint a career, pick a major, or land a promotion. Statistically, people with mentors are more likely to ask to be pushed or request a raise than those without one. Often times we need the extra motivation to make us take the plunge. Unfortunately, finding the right mentor for your situation is not always easy.
Here are 8 steps to help you find a mentor:
1 || What do you want in a mentor:
The first step in finding a mentor is deciding what type of mentor you want. Are you looking for a strictly business mentor, a spiritual mentor, or a general mentor to help guide you through the day-to-day of life? Do you want someone inside your workplace who can help you take the right steps to advance? Or someone with specific knowledge on a business challenge – asking for a raise, dressing well, or preparing for an interview? These are all questions you have to ask yourself.
2 || Check with your employer, school, church:
Next you can start asking around depending on what you’re looking for. Most large employers have a mentorship program in place. If not, talk to potential mentors or people with mentors and ask them how they got connected. The same goes with your school. A lot of majors at Biola have a mentorship program. Talk with your department director and see if you can find any information. Professors are also great people to talk to. Whether they are a potential mentor themselves or not, they will have an idea of who to talk to. If you are looking for a spiritual mentor or at least someone with the common bond your church is a great place to look. Talk to your head pastor or college leader about whether or not they know of any elders or long-time attendees who may be interested.
3 || Practice your pitch:
In a way you are trying to land a job. You are asking someone to pay you with his or her time and advice. You have to be willing to promote yourself so they buy that it is worth their energy. This is no time for modesty. Show potential, talk about your accomplishments, and your drive to succeed. Sidenote: steer clear of the formal request. “Will you be my mentor,” is corny, plus it sounds like a lot of work and responsibility.
4 || Make it fun:
For the same reason we avoid formal requests, we also want to make it fun. A worthy mentor is going to be more interested in helping you if you make it sound like fun. Less like work and more like an opportunity to grow a friendship. Express interest in their wisdom, as well as their fellowship.
5 || Start with a single question:
The best way to enter into a mentorship is by posing a single question as opposed to regular meetings or official titles. When you have found a potential mentor, approach them with a particular question about your work. Ask them about switching careers or their thoughts on your resume. Later approach them with another question. Eventually, this pattern will develop into the regular meetings you are hoping for.
6 || Return the favor:
Don’t forget that mentorship is two-way street. The exchange needs to be mutual. There is a lot that you can learn from each other. In fact, many older Businessmen and women seek younger mentors for advice with technology and media. Use this opportunity to return the favor if they have any questions about the digital world you’ve grown up with.
7 || Be a mentor:
Being a mentor yourself will give you a better understanding of how to interact with your own mentor. You will also see the limits of mentorship from their viewpoint. You don’t want to expect too much of them. Check with your school and local non-profits for opportunities to volunteer.
8 || Listen:
Always be willing to listen. Sometimes the initial reaction is to defend yourself, but the purpose of a mentor is to receive sound advice. Ask honest questions and expect honest responses. Listen intently.
Content taken from Kerry Hannon’s article on Forbes.
