How to find a mentor
I recently read that employees involved in mentoring are promoted five times more often than those without mentors. What if someone wants a mentor but doesn’t know how to find one?
“Finding a mentor is an exciting part of career growth, but often, it starts with a series of questions, including where to find one and what type of mentor will be the best fit,” says Janice Omadeke, one of Entrepreneur Magazine’s 100 Women of Influence and author of “Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself Up for Success.”
Here are some tips to help mentor-seekers find a match that works best for them.
Do a self-assessment. How do you prefer to operate? Are you a morning person who likes to start meetings at 8 a.m. or do you prefer working quietly in the morning and then socializing in the early afternoon? Do you aspire to be a leader or are you more of an individual contributor? What kind of personalities do you naturally gravitate toward?
“Having the answers to questions like these will empower you to filter through potential mentor options that will align with the way you learn, connect, and grow, meaning you can excel even faster and build a relationship you’ll look forward to building,” Omadeke explains.
It also will help you find “people who get you— people who see what makes you unique, what makes you special, how you operate… people who will celebrate and work with that” instead of trying to have you conform to their expectations, she adds.
Determine what you want out of a mentorship relationship. According to Omadeke, knowing what you want to accomplish in the next six to 12 months, and knowing your strengths and areas of development required to reach those goals, will help you understand where a mentor may be most useful.
“Be clear about your goals,” echoes Jeremy Scott Foster, founder of TravelFreak, who says he has seen firsthand how mentoring can impact career growth. “When approaching a potential mentor, be transparent about what you hope to achieve. This clarity will help them understand how they can best assist you and whether they’re the right fit.”
Look within your network. Your current professional circle, including colleagues, industry contacts and connections from professional groups, is a good place to start, Scott says. “It’s essential to choose someone whose career trajectory you admire and who has relevant experience in your field.”
Omadeke also recommends casting a wide net. “Evaluate virtual communities, local in-person meetups, LinkedIn groups, and colleagues who will have expertise in your growth areas,” she says. “Spending time in these spaces will allow you to get to know potential mentors in a stress-free environment, get a sense of their personalities, and determine if they’re a fit.”
Seek someone who challenges you.“A good mentor doesn’t just offer guidance; they challenge your thinking and help you grow,” Scott stresses. “Look for someone who asks tough questions and encourages you to step out of your comfort zone.”