Mentorship 101 (Part 1) – What Makes a Good Mentor

Mentorship is a game-changer that doesn't care about age, industry, or background. It's like a trust fall exercise for personal and professional growth.

I wanted to kickoff a new series with you around MENTORISHIP. Whether you're a seasoned mentor, a curious mentee, or just someone keen to learn about this fantastic mentor-mentee dance, this series has got your back. We've got the 411 on knowledge, strategies, and the motivation you need to make the most of mentoring in your life.

Mentorship is a powerful tool for personal and professional growth and finding the right mentor can significantly impact your journey toward success. So let’s kick it off by finding a mentor and some qualities to look for.

Wisdom and Expertise

I'm a huge fan of the legendary basketball player Larry Bird. I mean, who better to learn court skills from, right? However, picture this: I, a 23-year-old business professional, approach him for mentorship, decked out in my suit. He might just raise an eyebrow and wonder, "So, what exactly can I teach you?"

Here's the thing: Some people possess incredible skills that make them seem like superheroes in your eyes. But sometimes, their career path may not align with your own aspirations.

Look for mentors who've walked a path similar to yours, whether within your company or elsewhere. Check their LinkedIn to see if their journey aligns with your goals.

Relevance is key, not just within your field but in terms of age, gender, and more. A mentor who can't relate might not inspire you as needed. So, seek mentors who truly resonate with your journey.

Good Connections

Not too long ago, someone shared their career dreams with me, and I thought, "Hey, I can help with that!" I told them to hop on LinkedIn and find five folks whose careers they admired.

So, I took the plunge and reached out on my mentee's behalf. Guess what? I managed to score them a cool 30-minute Zoom chat with one of the people on their mentoring wish list. Turns out, all they needed was a friendly intro to their career idol.

The takeaway? When you're on the hunt for mentors, think about your own network. Finding someone who can vouch for you and set up that crucial intro to your dream mentor can be a game-changer.

Genuine Care and Personal Connection

A strong mentor track record isn't just about mentoring lots of people; it's about consistently investing time in your mentees and helping them progress. This means regular meetings where you ask what's on their minds and respond to their reasonable requests.

Good mentors also give homework assignments. If your mentor hasn't done this much, it's okay to ask for tasks to work on before your next meeting. You can also ask for book, podcast, or article recommendations to expand your knowledge.

Whether your mentor readily gives assignments or needs a little nudge, be ready to put in more effort than they do. For example, if they suggest a book and you haven't read it after a while, it's a signal that you might need to step up and take their advice more seriously.

Finding a great mentor is a crucial step in your journey toward success. Look for individuals who possess the qualities we just discussed.? With the right mentor by your side, you can accelerate your growth and navigate the challenges on your path to achieving your goals.

Enjoy the FEARLESS JOURNEY