Why You Need A Mentor And Here’s How To Find One

We all hear this popular phrase- “You need a mentor.”

No matter your industry or choice of career; a mentor is a key to your success.

First, who is a mentor?

According to Collins Dictionary, A person’s mentor is someone who gives them help and advice over a period, especially help and guidance related to their job.

Mentors are instrumental to a person’s success as they are there to give the right tips, advice, and insights one needs. Most mentors must have experienced something similar to what a mentee might be currently experiencing, and they can give the right insights required at the right time.

However, why do you need a mentor?

I currently have a mentor, and I can tell you that it has been a great step in the right direction. Mentors give you insights concerning the challenges they have faced and how they were able to overcome them. This simply means that when you meet the same problems, you get first-hand information about how to overcome such challenges. They can also provide guidance and be sounding boards through your journey.

Likewise, mentors help you acquire the right skills and resources you need to advance your career or business. Mentors aren’t only meant for career persons; you can be a business owner and have a mentor as well.

It is also important to note that a ‘mentor’ doesn’t have to be older than someone, your mentor can be younger than you are.

In addition, mentoring can come in different forms; it could be a group mentoring, career mentoring, business mentoring, virtual mentors, etc.

How then do you find the right mentor?

Here are some tips to help you find a good mentor:

A good mentor should be empathic: One of the essential qualities of mentorship is empathy. If someone who should be a sounding board is rigid and nonchalant, how do you expect to get the best out of such a relationship? Empathy is an essential part of every relationship, and a mentorship relationship isn’t excluded.

Your mentor should be someone whose qualities fit a better version of who you see yourself to be in the future. A mentor is someone who embodies the qualities you which to imbibe on your journey.

A mentor should be honest. We all need to have honest feedbacks or constructive criticisms as at when due. If a mentor isn’t trustworthy, how do you know if you are on the right track?

Identify your goals: Every great mentorship relationship starts with clearly identified goals. What are your goals for the mentorship relationship? Identify your goals and find someone who can help you achieve such goals.

Meet as many experienced and qualified professions as you can. And when you do, relate with them and find the ones you are comfortable with so you can approach to become your mentor.

Some mentorship relationships aren’t planned. Some mentorship relationships just spring up without both the mentor and the mentee planning it. And so, sometimes when you are on the lookout for someone who should be your mentor; you can approach them and offer value. Every mentor loves mentees that provide value. When thinking about someone who should be your mentor, ask yourself this – what value can I deliver? Sometimes the best way to get a mentor is to stop asking for one; offer value!

Ask questions. Don’t be afraid to ask questions; it is in asking questions that you find the right answers.

Remember, mentors can be virtual. A mentor doesn’t necessarily have to be where you are before they mentor you. Through their blog, books, resources, etc. you can learn a great deal from them.

Mentorship isn’t one-way; it is a two-way street. Mentors also learn from their mentees just as their mentees learn from them. Don’t be rigid with your mentorship relationship.

What other tips have been omitted? We would love to hear from you. Please drop your comments below.