In Greek mythology, Mentor was a friend of Odysseus and was placed in charge of his son Telemachus when Odysseus left for war.
Merriam-Webster’s dictionary calls a mentor, “A trusted counselor or guide.”
What do you want to get from mentoring?
- Probably what you aren’t good at (or at least not yet)
- Plus, it’s something that’s important for you to get better at
Advance planning
- Who do you know who’s good at that?
- Are there multiple people?
- You don’t have to know them today
- Your greatest mentors will never expect anything
Identify specifically how someone can help and begin there- Make a mind map of the people who could help
- Create a board of directors
Getting Started
- Start off with a specific question
- Know that not everyone will respond or won’t be willing to help
- Wait on asking someone to “be a mentor”
- Everyone has a different context for this
- It could seem like a huge commitment
- It’s awkward if they don’t want to make that committment
Find a way to connect regularly
- This is where proximity and formal programs can help
- Make a point to connect regularly
- It’s great to be influenced by those that you don’t speak with regularly, but find people you will see
Be willing to ask for help
- Get out of the “asking for help is a weakness” mentality
What’s something in front of you right now that a new perspective would be helpful with? My challenge to you is to go out and identify a person and approach them with a specific question and ask advice. Remember, you don’t have to take the advice. If they don’t respond, identify a second person.
Past shows that might also be helpful to you on the topic of mentoring:
- Episode #61: How to Start A Mentoring Program with guest Stella Cowan
- Episode #63: Practical Advice for Mentoring with guest Kurt Allebach
Discover More
Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.