Coaching for Leaders9 Sep 2013

105: How to Find a Mentor

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:

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