These four points about working with a mentor are helpful!

Mentorship is crucial for personal and professional growth. This mentor survey reveals that while there is a demand for mentorship, bridging the demand-supply gap poses challenges across several age groups. However, nuances surrounding its delivery may deepen the gap between proteges and mentors. While some organizations lean towards formalizing mentorship as part of their succession strategy, mentorship is also effective in informal settings. Nevertheless, the need for mentorship must be considered because it aims to soften the ground, make the journey less bumpy, impart confidence, and possibly avert unwarranted costs of inexperience. For the mentor, there are altruistic benefits: a sense of purpose, a chance to foster communities and personal fulfilment. Whatever the case, if you are looking for a mentor, here are four things to know about working with one.

Mentorship Fit: Like any relationship, compatibility plays a critical role. Mentors will naturally gravitate towards mentees who share similar backgrounds or future aspirations. Likewise, mentees should seek out mentors whose expertise and values match theirs. A strong mentorship fit sets the foundation for a productive and fulfilling relationship.

?Respect for time: A famous saying is that time is a resource that cannot be retrieved(reversed). Your mentor has other tasks aside from their commitment to you, so respecting their time shows commitment. A mentor will provide the insights and guidance needed to steer you in the right direction, but the burden of actions still lies with you. To use your moments best, do your “homework” to have engaging and more meaningful sessions.

Portray the right attitude: By proactively seeking guidance and taking the initiative to implement the advice, you show a willingness to learn and grow. A mentee has to show that they are committed to their personal and professional development by actively engaging in discussions, following through on action items, and continuously seeking feedback. Remember, mentorship is a two-way street and your attitude and effort matter.

Seek Feedback: To fully embrace a good mentor’s feedback, note that they are as invested in your development as you are; therefore, consider their opinions and be open to their criticisms. While not all feedback will be positive, how you respond to negative feedback may open up opportunities for even more productive engagements. Look towards focusing on the issue and not as an attack on your person. Always remember that a good mentor wants you to succeed, as the mentor-mentee relationship benefits both parties.

?The rewards of a healthy, nurturing mentorship are not just for the mentee but also the mentor. When built on compatibility, clear boundaries, and a willingness to learn, this relationship can be critical to helping you achieve your goals. While access to your preferred mentors can be restricted due to proximity, consider other ways of receiving mentorship, such as through their books, videos, interviews, and other digital materials that are accessible.

Remember, a good mentor wants you to succeed as they share in your success.