Mentorship is both Caught & Taught

How do you find a mentor? And how do you know a good one?

Overtime I have come to learn that I didn’t have to look too hard for mentors because they were all around me either through daily conversations from people I admired, a book I read, a wise elder who offered to give me advise, a conference or workshop I attended or a colleague at work who offered to mentor me (without calling it that).

In his book, “The Leader’s Greatest Return” John Maxwell notes that Mentorship is both caught and taught. The catching may happen while you listen to your favourite podcast, read a book or even a simple conversation from a person you admire and look up to. Who you learn from matters; so the credibility of the person considered as a mentor is very important. In the same way a mentor can teach you new skills, ways of thinking and share different perspectives to expand your knowledge. In my view the teaching happens more in a formal mentoring relationship.

“Most people who decide to grow personally find their first mentors in the pages of books” John C Maxwell

 A good mentor …

1)     Is a good model; leads by example – they display professional excellence, possess skills you can learn and their character is worth copying

2)     Is Available – look for people who are genuinely interested in mentorship, can make the time and suited for the stage of your career; keep changing your mentors depending on the next stage of your life and growth.

3)     Has Proven Experience – look for someone who has been there and done that. We all learnt what we know from someone. I would advise to find a mentor who has at least 3 years ahead of you in the area you seek to be mentored in

4)     Has the Gift of Wisdom – this comes with accumulated years of experience, knowledge and understanding. A good mentor makes you wiser than your age and experience; he or she opens your eyes to see and be more

5)     Is a Friend – mentorship is personal; a good mentor will offer you their support and cares for your growth and wellbeing – they are willing to share head, heart and hands with you.

6)     Genuinely wants to make a difference in people’s lives – a good mentor expects nothing in return, enjoys seeing you improve and grow

7)     Is always adding into your life, never subtracting

 Everything we know, we must have learnt it from someone, so each of us has been mentored. Make it your intention to pass on the knowledge, skills and wisdom to someone else whenever you have a chance.

Musings of a Coach