Mentors

January 29, 2022

by a searcher in Plainfield, IL, USA

Some of the wealthiest people in the world say one of the most valuable drivers for a decision maker or an executive is to find a good mentor.

Question For those of you with mentors:
How did you get your mentor?
What are good ways to find good mentors?
What are some good questions to ask my prospective mentor?
What are some good questions to ask myself when I am looking for the mentor that best suits me?

1 Like

2 Replies

106 Views

Replies

Reply by a professional
from Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM) in Verona, WI 53593, USA

I decided to seek mentorship after I left a corporate job and went solo. I missed the conversations, interaction, discussing ideas, and listening to other points of view. Thus, I needed a mentor who would have the ability to get to know me and offer a perspective on the decisions I was facing. The reason I mention this instead of jumping to answer your questions is that it was very important for me to figure out WHY I was seeking a mentor and WHAT I expected from our relationship. I know other entrepreneurs who need someone who has "been there, done that" and can provide technical/operational guidance... that would not have worked for me, I needed perspective.

Thus said, to answer your questions, ask your contacts about their contacts... it is amazing how many people you know that can find you a match but don't know you are looking for one.
I would ask them "why did you get into mentoring?" and "tell me how your mentees have benefitted from working with you". More than listening to the answer, figure out if your styles match, if you can trust them, and if they are willing to adapt to your needs.

The best question for yourself is "why do I think I need a mentor?" and "if I found the right mentor, what goal(s) would I be reaching?"

Happy to chat if you want more insights.

Roberto

Reply by a searcher
from Parsons School of Design in Cuxhaven, Germany

Ty, full disclosure, I am a strategic business consultant, business acquisition coach, and mentor. That said... Finding a mentor can be a transformative experience in your personal and professional growth. Here are some effective strategies to find good mentors: 1. Networking: Attend industry events, workshops, or seminars where you can meet professionals in your field. Engaging in conversations can lead to potential mentorship. 2. Professional Organizations: Join organizations related to your career interests. Many offer mentorship programs that connect you with experienced members. 3. Social Media: Platforms like LinkedIn allow you to connect with industry leaders. Follow them, engage with their content, and reach out with a thoughtful message. 4. Educational Institutions: Utilize connections from your school or university. Professors and alumni can be valuable mentors. 5. Community Groups: Local networking groups or community organizations can also provide mentorship opportunities. Questions to Ask a Prospective Mentor: • What motivated you to pursue your career path? • Can you share a challenging experience you faced and how you overcame it? • How do you approach professional development? • What skills do you believe are essential for success in this field? • How do you balance work and personal life? Questions to Ask Yourself: • What specific goals do I want to achieve through mentorship? • What qualities do I value in a mentor (e.g., experience, communication style, values)? • Am I looking for guidance in a specific area, or do I want a broader perspective? • How much time can I commit to the mentorship relationship? • What are my expectations for the mentor-mentee relationship? Reflecting on these questions will help you identify a mentor who aligns with your goals and values. Hope that helps. Let's connect on LinkedIn and chat soon 💬🔜 Cheers, Ken

Join the discussion