The Gift of Mentoring

Could you use a little extra guidance or insight? Do you have expertise to share? We could all likely answer yes to both questions.

You don’t need to be a rookie to find value in having a mentor and you don’t have to be at the pinnacle of your career to bestow advice. We can all benefit from the gift of mentoring.

Where to start? Ask.

You could be working with a potential mentor right now. Most of us work with someone who has experience and knowledge in areas where we lack. Often, it’s as simple as asking for a few minutes of their time or an informational meeting which leads to a mentorship opportunity.

By the same token, you have valuable experience in your own right. Pay-it-forward. You have more to offer than you think.

Don’t be overwhelmed by the term mentor.

A mentoring relationship can be as extensive or as limited as you like. If you are looking for career/life guidance - that may be a bigger, long-tern relationship. If you are discussing direction in a particular aspect of your industry or specific advice, such as managing the inner workings of a department within your company, the mentorship could be on a relatively brief scale.

Multiple mentors.

Mentors, like people or friends, can come into your life and stay – or come into your life at necessary times for brief periods. Either way is OK.

No one is to say that you have only one mentor. It’s important that you find the right fit and the right person(s) for your goal(s). Goals often change, career-paths change, mentors can evolve and change along the way too.

Mentorship does require diligence.

Commit to regular meetings and progress updates. This should be a mutually-beneficial relationship for both sides; give it the time and attention it deserves.