Tips to pick up World class Mentor

Mentoring is more than the transfer of advice, knowledge and insights. It is also about giving time to mentees and repeating one thing more than several times if mentees are like me. ;)

I wonder how selfless mentors are. You are blessed if you have a mentor in life who constantly pushes you to be a better person. It is magical to have Priya Singh as a Mentor.

I consider myself super lucky to have been chosen as a mentee, but, if you have to pick one mentor for yourself, remember this-

• Avoid someone who reminds you of a courteous waiter.

You need someone in life to grow you, constantly. You dont need someone who thinks of your happiness and comfort before giving you any feedback. My mentor gives me feedback constantly and on daily basis. She doesnt wait to tell me which area I could have been better at. Wouldnt you be grateful to someone who tells you everything on your face?

• Seek someone who scares you a little. Someone who- 

Watches you closely: Whatever you do, however you do - You need to have constant attention of your mentor. Trust me, my mentor notices me everywhere even at the lunch table. She will then tell me - You could have answered this in other way etc. 

Scares a little: Mentor should for sure scare you, else what is the point in having a person in life who is sweet to you and doesnt care for your growth? Priya, you still scare me a little after all these years, and thats good.

And is honest, sometimes unnervingly so:  They will tell you the truth about your performance in clear language. This stings at first. But you’ll come to see that it’s not personal— it’s the information you can use to get better. Haha.. This reminds me - I used to get closed after every feedback initially and I would think she is targetting me.  Only later, that I got to know it is for my own benefit.

• Someone who gives short and clear directions.

See to it that your mentor is not beating around the bush. My mentor gives me the most precise and clear directions and asks me to note it down. She is well aware of my forgetful behavior. ;)

• Seek someone who loves teaching fundamentals.

Needless to say this. How are you going to grow if you dont change your fundamentals? I am so fortunate to have Priya in my life, for, she always tells me to stop work and think first. Use common sense and then get to work on things. Dont you get excited and start running in the said direction? Dont you want someone to tell you to stop, look at the map and then run? Yes, thats what a mentor has to do. Once. Then, you should take it up.

• Other things being equal, pick the older person.

Experience is a teacher of all things. Let your mentor have more experience and let them be the decision maker. Great mentors are first learners, who improve their skills with each passing year. My mentor knows some excellent books and she sure knows how to transform others. She doesnt let a day pass, without adding value to someone's life.

Choose your mentor wisely. They are your path builder. 

Priya: Gratitude. Thank you.

#Mentorship #gratitude #mentee #retention #growth #success