Working With a Mentor

Seeking An Experienced Advisor Can Be An Invaluable Success Tool

Mar 8, 2009 Sharon Michaels

Mentor is defined by the American Heritage Dictionary as: A wise and trusted counselor or teacher. A mentor is someone who is willing to share their wisdom with you.

Deciding to seek out a trusted advisor is an important step and should be taken seriously. You are asking your mentor to guide and advise you toward your goals. You must be able to trust your mentor and the advice they will be giving to you. In turn, your mentor must be able to trust that you are willing to use your mentoring time and resources wisely.

When choosing a mentor there are a few things you’ll want to consider:

1. Mentoring is a relationship based on trust. The person you choose must be someone who has a proven track record of success in the area you are seeking guidance. A mentor must be worthy of your trust.

2. Since mentoring is a trusted relationship, your working environment must be one of mutual repect. Mutual trust and respect is a two-way street - you must treat your mentor with respect and in return be treated with respect and dignity.

3. Both you and your mentor must agree on the time commitment involved in the mentoring process. There is a time element on the part of both the mentor and the mentee that must be honored and respected. Are you both willing to invest the time and energy involved in the mentoring process?

Characteristics of a Good Mentor

It’s important to have a good working relationship with your mentor if the two of you are to form an effective mentor/mentee relationship. Here are a few traits to consider when choosing a mentor:

  1. Is your mentor willing to support your goals in a nonjudgemental environment?
  2. Is your mentor willing to help enhance and develop your skills, vision and goals for the future?
  3. Is your mentor willing to encourage and nurture your strengths and potential?
  4. Is your mentor willing to point out potential challenges and then offer up viable solutions?
  5. Is your mentor willing to be objective and honest?

Where Do You Find a Mentor

First, you must be perfectly clear about what you want from a mentor. What knowledge and/or skills do you want the mentor possess? What are your expectations for the mentoring process? Are you willing to pay for the mentor’s services?

Here are some suggestions:

  • Adult education classes and programs
  • Networking events
  • Forming a Mastermind group of like minded people
  • Retirees
  • Onine communities
  • Clergy
  • Professors
  • Industry leaders
  • Local business owners
  • Professional associations and organizations
  • Professional coaches and mentors
  • Begin asking friends and business associates if they know of anyone who may be willing to mentor you. Be proactive!

Working with a mentor can be a highly effective and invaluable asset for achieving success. Getting the most from your mentoring experience means finding a mentor with whom you have rapport and mutual respect.

The copyright of the article Working With a Mentor in Personal Development is owned by Sharon Michaels. Permission to republish Working With a Mentor in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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