Traditionally, we think of a mentor as someone in upper management who voluntarily gives advice and feedback on a chosen person's performance, and generally shows that person the ropes. This concept works well for those who are fortunate enough to have access to a large pool of upper managers who are not committed to mentoring only clones of themselves. If you happen to be a member of a group where mentorship is not readily bestowed, you must seek out your own mentors. You must reverse the usual process and select your own mentors.
Begin your search for mentors with yourself. Determine specific skills you want to improve. Ask yourself questions related to your career goals. For example, ask yourself if you need help with interpersonal skills, public speaking skills, or basic business operation skills. Ask yourself as many questions as necessary to identify specific skills areas. Prioritize them according to urgency. Plan an incremental approach targeting your identified areas. This makes it easier to ask your chosen mentor for help when the request is on a small scale.
Next, identify people have possess the skills you need. Be cautious, but do not limit yourself to people within your industry or organization. Many successful people have found mentors in executive secretaries and other office staff who know the ropes of the organization. Valuable information also comes from peers who have experienced similar situations. This helps you to avoid potential pitfalls as you create mentorship network. Remain open minded throughout this process. Recognize skill wherever you find it, and capture each learning opportunity as it comes along.
As you begin your search, start by seeking out potential mentors who share a common interest. Your common interests provide a convenient means of opening the door to mentorship. Ask for opinions first, then gradually move toward broader requests. However, the common interest approach should not prevent you from seeking out people who are fundamentally different from you. People who are different form you often provide provocative perspectives that serve as a catalyst for personal discovery.
Once you establish your mentorship network, keep your mentors relevant. As you acquire targeted skills, and identify additional skills needs, your mentor needs will change. Continue to seek new mentors who meet your needs. Remember that mentorship is a relationship of reciprocity. Your mentor will learn from you as well. So nurture the relationship by sending a thank you after your mentor has given you assistance, but never confuse your mentor with your therapist. Keep the personal details of your private life to a minimum.
Finally, reach out and find someone to mentor yourself. It gives you insight into how to polish and improve your personal mentor searches. Remember that mentorship is a relationship of reciprocity. Each participant gains something from the relationship. Mentorship begets mentorship and we all benefit.
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