You're feeling stuck in your career. How can you find the right mentor to help you grow?

Choosing a career is a top to bottom approach. The first thing you should be clear about is your final career goal ie. If you aspire to become a Neurosurgeon, Computer programmer, actor, financial analyst and so on. If you are unsure, then a career assessment test could help you shortlist. Then the degree which admission Counsellors can help. Job consultants can help you in job hunting. Study abroad consultants to apply abroad. So there are different mentors and consultants who specialise in different services which you would have to identify as per your requirement.

It is important to seek help from a career mentor or career coach when you are at a career planning stage. However, the first thing is to ask yourself, what is my short term and long term goal? Where do I see myself in 5 - 10 years in my professional journey? What do I want to achieve in life? What are my expectations from the mentor? Once you have thought of your goals or created a vision of your professional graph, then is the time to start looking for a career coach or mentor who will be able to guide you in that direction and help you achieve your goals.

Ask yourself questions like "what am I naturally curious about?" and "what can I talk about ALL DAY?" Don't put too much pressure on having one right answer. Jot down some ideas everyday for about a week and see what themes come up. Another good prompt is "what problems do I want to see solved in the world?"

Ask yourself the following baseline questions: 1. What do I need? (Remote, $1M in pay, benefits, etc) 2. What am I passionate about? 3. What am I good at?

Finding the right mentor to help you grow in your career involves being proactive. Start by identifying professionals whose careers you admire and reach out to them with a clear and concise request for mentorship. Look within your current network, explore industry events, or consider professional mentorship programs. When approaching potential mentors, be respectful of their time and show genuine interest in learning from them.

When considering mentors, try to avoid the "like me" bias. It can feel fun to hang out with a version of yourself--but that won't help you to grow. Consider people who have pushed you, challenged you, or even made you uncomfortable. After all, we grow in discomfort, not apathy and contentment. In some cases, your discomfort with a person might stem from the fact that they have different skills, experiences, or perspectives--all of which are powerful assets in a potential mentor. Try to step out of your comfort zone. If you're just looking for confirmation of your current self, you aren't looking for a mentor; you're looking for an echo chamber.

Who do you listen to? If two different people gave you the exact same advice, which one of them would you actually listen to? Think about WHY you'd listen to them over someone else. What inspires you about them? What do you respect about them? Look for those qualities in a mentor.

I believe in what I call "The Langley Method" which is something my Papa Langley taught me in my youth. To grow you must always be in the middle; you should always be pulling someone up (AKA mentor), whilst someone is helping pull you up (AKA mentee). The Langley method is especially helpful in multigenerational settings - as everyone learns from one another. My younger colleagues are 100% more technical than I am; however, my older colleagues provide wisdom from paths yet charted. So when considering a mentor, I recommend you identify your mentee first. By giving you will receive tenfold in your mentorship relationship. Trust your gut allow the process to be organic and take your time, this is someone you are going to give your trust

When seeking a mentor, it's important to consider the qualities and characteristics you desire in a mentor based on your career goals and learning style. This includes deciding whether you want someone in the same field, industry, or organization, or with a different perspective, as well as their level of seniority and their approach. Identifying these criteria will help you target potential mentors who align with your needs and?aspirations.

Before seeking guidance, reflect on your short-term and long-term goals, envisioning your professional journey in 5-10 years. Define what you aim to achieve and your expectations from a mentor. Once you've established your goals, seek out a mentor who can provide personalized guidance to align with your vision and support you in achieving your objectives. It's crucial to turn to a Professional Career Mentor rather than just a trainer during your career planning phase.

Don't be afraid of putting yourself out there. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Stay true to yourself because your most authentic self will attract your most authentic mentor.

To find the right mentor, start by exploring your existing network which might include colleagues, managers, clients, or contacts. Expand your search by attending events, joining groups, or utilizing platforms like ADPList that specialize in connecting mentors and mentees. When you come across a potential mentor, craft a personalized message that introduces yourself, outlines your goals, and conveys your desire to learn from them. Remember to be respectful and patient, as immediate responses are not guaranteed. Embrace the opportunity to put yourself out there; it’s a chance to gain invaluable guidance with nothing to lose. Stay authentic, as this will naturally attract a mentor who resonates with your true self.

In career planning, "Research and Reach Out" is pivotal. It involves meticulously exploring potential mentors or career coaches who resonate with your objectives and values. This phase requires thorough investigation into their backgrounds, expertise, and track records in guiding individuals towards similar career paths. Utilizing online platforms, professional networks, and referrals can aid in identifying suitable mentors. Subsequently, reaching out to them with a clear and concise message expressing your aspirations and interest in their guidance is crucial. Establishing a strong rapport during this initial contact lays the groundwork for a fruitful mentoring relationship, facilitating effective career development.

One thing I've found in my personal mentorships is that the mentee really guides the relationship with the mentor. Help your mentor help you. You need to take lead on what advisement you need, what questions you're curious about, and how often you'd like to meet about it.

To build a rewarding mentorship relationship, it's essential to establish clear communication rules, frequency expectations, and feedback mechanisms. Being prepared for meetings, following up on action items, and updating your mentor on progress and challenges are crucial responsibilities. Additionally, maintaining openness, honesty, respect, and actively listening to your mentor's advice and insights are vital for a successful mentorship?journey.

In the beginning you're really testing the waters. Sometimes a relationship with your mentor will flow naturally and wonderfully. Sometimes it'll take some adjustments before you find your flow. Be patient and kind to the process. Most importantly, communicate throughout all of it.

Evaluation and Evolving enables continuous growth and adaptation. Regularly assessing your progress, accomplishments, and areas for improvement allows for informed decision-making and adjustment of goals. Reflecting on past experiences helps refine strategies and refine career trajectories. Embracing change and remaining open to new opportunities fosters resilience and agility in navigating the evolving professional landscape. By continuously evaluating and evolving, individuals can ensure alignment with personal values and aspirations, leading to greater fulfillment and success in their careers.

The best way in my opinion to reciprocate a mentor relationship is to elevate in your career. Celebrate the wins together. It never gets old when one of my former mentees calls me up to tell me how they are winning in their career. That's what it is all about!

Appreciate and reciprocate involves recognizing the support and guidance received from mentors, colleagues, and networks. Expressing gratitude fosters strong professional relationships and cultivates a supportive environment. Acknowledging the contributions of others encourages collaboration and strengthens professional connections. Additionally, reciprocating support and mentorship to others creates a mutually beneficial ecosystem where knowledge and experience are shared. By appreciating and reciprocating, individuals not only nurture their own careers but also contribute to the growth and development of others, fostering a culture of generosity and goodwill in the workplace.

Feeling stuck in your career is tough, but finding the right mentor can be a game-changer. Start by thinking about what you want to achieve and where you need help. Ask around your professional circles or check out online platforms to find potential mentors who match your goals and values. When you reach out, be genuine and clear about what you're looking for. Remember, it's not just about finding someone with the right experience; it's about connecting with someone who genuinely cares about your growth. Look for someone who listens, understands, and offers personalized advice. Building a strong relationship with a mentor who shares your vision can provide genuine support and guidance.

Being a mentor comes with all the feel-goods! It's an honor to be asked. Remember it's not coaching and you aren't paying for your mentor's time - be respectful, and receptive, and hold that time with your mentor as a sacred space for your development. Do or do not, there is no try!