WHY YOU NEED A MENTOR
The most successful people have mentors guiding their progress. It’s difficult to overestimate the positive influence a mentor can have on your success. Finding a great mentor is a challenge, but it’s worth the work. Once you find the right mentor they can give you a perspective on your career you might not always think about. Consider finding a mentor to assist with your aspirations.
Let’s take a look at why you need a mentor, the power of a mentor and why it is worth having one. I will also share how to find one, especially if your organization does not have a mentor program already set up. Do not let that stop you or hold you back from finding someone who can help you in your career journey.
Why You Need a Mentor
At some point in your career, you may feel like you’re stuck. You’re not sure how to move up in your company or even if you want to stay with your current employer. That’s when it’s time to look for a mentor. A mentor is someone who will help you navigate your career, providing guidance and support along the way.
Mentors can help you in a number of ways. First, they can help you figure out what you want to do with your career. By talking to someone who has “been there and done that,” you can get a better sense of what’s possible and what’s right for you. Second, mentors can provide advice on things like job interviews, networking, and salary negotiations. They can also introduce you to their contacts, which can help you get your foot in the door at a new company or land that dream job.
Mentors can also serve as a sounding board, allowing you to talk through your career challenges and figure out solutions. Sometimes, all it takes to solve a problem is to talk it through with someone who understands what you’re going through.
The Power of a Mentor
A mentor is someone who can help you see the possibilities for your future and can provide guidance and advice along the way. A good mentor will listen to you, offer their insights and perspectives, help you make tough decisions, and cheer you on as you achieve your goals. It’s no wonder that having a mentor has been linked to success in our professional lives.
Maybe you’re feeling stuck in your current job or maybe you’re not sure what the next step in your career should be. Perhaps you’re struggling to balance work and life or feeling like you’re not reaching your full potential. If any of this sounds familiar, then it might be time to look for a mentor. Here are four reasons why a mentor could be exactly what you need to get unstuck and reach your professional goals.
1. A mentor can help give you perspective
When we’re close to a situation, it’s often hard to see it clearly. This is where mentors come in. They can provide much-needed perspective on a situation and help us see things that we might be missing. Oftentimes, all we need is an outside perspective to see things differently and find new solutions to our problems.
2. A mentor can help increase your chances of success
Studies have shown that people with mentors are more likely to find success in their careers than those who don’t have mentors. In one study of over 200 executives, 84% of respondents attributed their career advancement to the help of a mentor. Other research has shown that people with mentors receive raises more quickly and are more likely to get promoted than those without mentors.
3. A mentor can hold you accountable
It’s easy to make excuses for why we’re not reaching our goals but it’s much harder to do so when we have someone else holding us accountable. A mentor can help keep you accountable by checking in with you regularly and helping you stay on track. Just knowing that someone else is keeping tabs on your progress can be enough motivation to stay focused and get the job done.
4. A mentorship relationship is a two-way street
A lot of people think that mentorship is a one-way street where the mentee benefits from the relationship while the mentor gives up their time for free. But that’s not true! Mentors often benefit just as much from the relationship as mentees do. They get to relive their own successes (and failures), feel validated in their choices, enjoy watching someone else grow, and build their professional network. So don’t be afraid to give back to your mentor – they’ll appreciate it just as much as you do!
If you’re feeling stuck or uncertain about your next career move, consider finding yourself a mentor. Having somebody in your corner who believes in you and is rooting for your success can make all the difference between feeling stuck and getting unstuck – so what are you waiting for? Reach out today and start reaping the benefits of mentorship!
A mentor is invaluable for several reasons:
- A mentor has walked the path. A mentor has already accomplished your long-term goals. If your dream is to become a Wall Street tycoon, professional baseball coach, or a successful artist, it only makes sense to find someone that has accomplished that same goal.
- They know the reality of the situation. Everyone else is speculating
- You’ll have the guidance you need to set appropriate goals. Are you sure about the next step to reach your long-term goals? A mentor would possess that information.
- You can be enthusiastic, serious, and capable, but your progress will be limited if you’re headed in the wrong direction
- You’ll gain the necessary tools in time to use them. Have you ever been in a position that required tools you didn’t have? A mentor will ensure you have the necessary skills before you need them.
- Most of us decide to learn after we’ve failed. It’s much more effective to be prepared. A mentor will point you in the right direction before it’s too late.
- You have access to their contacts. An appropriate mentor will be successful and as result, will know the right people. The saying, “It’s all about who you know.” is largely true. When everything else is equal, people would rather take a chance on someone they know. A mentor can introduce you to the people that will take you to the next level.
- You receive an unbiased, yet experienced, opinion. It’s not easy to make the best decisions when your knowledge is lacking. A mentor can fill that gap.
- A committed mentor will bring you opportunities. A mentor won’t just introduce you to influential people. He will also introduce you to the right opportunities. Once your mentor puts the word out, he will occasionally be presented with opportunities that match your growth needs. He may also seek out opportunities on your behalf.
You can probably tell by now that having a mentor has many benefits! However, the obvious question is, “How do I find a mentor?”
Finding a Mentor that’s Right for You
If you’re feeling lost in your career, or it needs a bit of a boost, reach out to someone who can help. A mentor could be just what you need to get unstuck and moving forward again. Let’s looks at some strategies you could take for finding the right mentor for you:
- Reach out to the experts in your field. Start out at the very top. While it’s unlikely that Bill Gates or the Dalai Lama will grant your request, you might find they’re willing to point you in the right direction. If that doesn’t work, work your way down the list. The perfect mentor is just waiting for someone to ask.
- Go online. There are websites that connect mentors with those looking for a mentor. One such example is findamentor.com. There are many other options available.
- Be prepared to show your level of commitment. A world-class expert might only consider working with someone that’s prepared to change the world. If your ambitions are a little more modest, you may need to convince your potential mentor that you’re serious. Everyone’s time is limited and they all want to spend it wisely.
- Look for people who are doing the things you want to do: If you want to be a CEO someday, look for someone who is currently serving as a CEO or has served as one in the past. If you’re not sure what you want to do next in your career, take some time to think about the things that interest you and the skills you’d like to develop. Then, look for someone who is doing those things or has done them in the past.
- Join professional organizations: There are professional organizations for just about every industry and field out there. By joining one (or several) of these groups, you’ll have access to a community of like-minded professionals—some of whom may be willing to serve as mentors.
- Use social media: Social media platforms like LinkedIn offer wonderful opportunities for connecting with potential mentors. By reaching out via social media, you can start building relationships with people even if they don’t live near you.
- Ask around: Talk to your friends, family members, and colleagues—you may be surprised by how many people are willing and able to serve as mentors. One of the best places to start is with people who already know and respect you; they’re more likely than strangers to be willing to help you out.”
A mentor can be an invaluable asset as you navigate your way through your career journey —but only if you take the time to find the right one for you. Use these tips to find a mentor who can help support and guide you toward success!
Finding a mentor will make it possible for you to achieve success quickly and smoothly. A mentor will help you take advantage of the best opportunities and avoid the speed bumps. If you don’t have a mentor, start looking for one today!
Here’s to your future Career Success!
Develop Your Talents:
- Strengthen your communication skills. Communicating effectively is a requirement for almost any job. Ask for feedback about how you come across in writing and in person.
- Practice your leadership skills. Strategic thinking and inspiring others are valuable traits at every stage in your career. Welcome projects that give you a chance to rehearse for future challenges.
- Sign up for training. Take advantage of opportunities for lifelong learning. Study a foreign language or master a new software program.
Express Your Creativity:
- Upgrade your presentations. Make the most of your reporting responsibilities. Dazzle your supervisor with a multimedia presentation and compelling graphics when they ask you to research recycling vendors or conference venues.
- Start an ambiance committee. Attractive and neat surroundings aid productivity and morale. Suggest forming a committee to make recommendations on how to beautify the office. Coordinate a company-wide cleanup day.
- Share your hobby. Welcome your passions into the workplace. You could bring in flowers from your garden or take photographs at special events.
Have Fun:
- Plan a party. Organize birthday parties for your department. Offer a surprise breakfast to celebrate National Dance Like a Chicken Day.
- Promote good health. Encourage friendships and fitness. Put together a company softball team. Negotiate a group discount at a local gym.
- Look at the funny side of things. Search for the humor in any situation. Look forward to the customers who bring in pictures of their cats.
Prepare to Move On:
- Network extensively. If you believe it’s time to look for a different position, you can still use your time constructively. Try to make more contacts with those who can help you advance your career. Attend meetings and volunteer at the nearest chapter of your professional association. Invite people out to lunch and send them articles they might be interested in.
- Document your accomplishments. Record achievements that will sound impressive on your resume. Adding value during your last days on the job will keep you motivated and energized.
- Facilitate the transition. Remind yourself of what you like about your job and why you’re grateful to your current employer. Think of how you can create a smooth transition for your successor while you go off to find a new job, return to school, or start your own business.
Even trivial tasks feel significant when you understand why you’re doing them. Feeling more content at work will reduce stress and add more meaning to your life.
Here’s to your future Career Success!