Originally published: 29/12/2020 10:16
Last version published: 29/12/2020 10:18
Publication number: ELQ-17451-2
View all versions & Certificate
Last version published: 29/12/2020 10:18
Publication number: ELQ-17451-2
View all versions & Certificate
How to Land A Great Mentor In 9 Easy Steps
A great mentor can share insight into their successes, pass on hard-won wisdom, and make valuable connections.
by Sabina NawazGlobal CEO Coach, keynote & TEDx speaker, columnist for Forbes, Inc. & Harvard Business Review. An uncommon coach for uncommon leaders.Follow
Introduction
High achievers consistently cite the support and advocacy of mentors as one of the most effective factors in helping them attain major career goals. The advantages are clear: a great mentor can share insight into their successes, pass on hard-won wisdom, and make valuable connections.
While many mentorship relationships turn out to be mutually beneficial, it’s important to keep in mind that you’re asking an accomplished (and busy) professional to invest their time in your career growth. How you ask is as important as who you ask.
Follow these nine guidelines to start a valuable relationship with your mentor.
- Step n°1 |
Be clear on what you want
Are you asking for in-depth career guidance, simple advice, or for some innovative ideas? Once you ask yourself these questions, it’s OK to realize that perhaps part of what you need from a mentor is clarity on your next steps. Getting clear about what you need will help you frame your request for help.
- Step n°2 |
Get to know your field
Spend some time researching your field on your own before you ask for someone else’s time. What information can you mine on the web about the sector you hope to enter, or the job you hope to obtain? Being informed will not only make a better first impression, you’ll also be able to get more out of the time you spend with your prospective mentor. - Step n°3 |
Research your prospective mentor
Visit your prospective mentor’s website, look at her LinkedIn profile and read any materials she may have published. Get to know the person whose help you want before approaching her.lightbulb_outline When Brandon, a finance executive, decided he wanted to become an executive coach, he spent weeks researching the market before approaching me to ask for mentoring. During our meeting, Brandon shared his analysis of a few ways he could enter the market and asked me for ideas of how else he could start to engage clients. He had studied my client list and came armed with specific questions. Because Brandon did all three parts of his homework, I was more motivated to help him. He made efficient use of our time together and walked away with specific tips, action items, and contacts.
by Sabina NawazGlobal CEO Coach, keynote & TEDx speaker, columnist for Forbes, Inc. & Harvard Business Review. An uncommon coach for uncommon leaders.Follow
