What to look for in a mentor
At some point in your career, especially when running your own business or team, you will realise you simply cannot know everything.
No doubt, there will be particular situations that you’ve never had to deal with before. You may be uncertain and nervous about what to do and how to approach it. After all, the ripple effect of your actions can have long-lasting results, and you want to make sure they’re good ones!
Uncertainty can cause a lot of stress, however having someone external who you can bounce ideas off can be really helpful. Having them share their own personal experience can teach you so much – often without having to go through the trial and error that they did!
I have been lucky in my career to have several very experienced business people come across my path who I have been able to use as sounding boards and mentors.
Over the years, I have come to know what a good mentor looks like. They are definitely someone who always has your best interests at the forefront of their thinking. They are willing and enthusiastic to add to your knowledge library. They give insight that helps you to attack situations from a different angle.
Mentors come in all shapes and sizes, from a range of different industries and backgrounds. However, these are the key characteristics I have looked for in a mentor, and I believe they should have.
- Success in their field
- Admired by others
- Exceptional interpersonal skills
- Are relatable
- Can challenge my point of view
- Acts with confidentiality
- Are trustworthy
- Are well-connected with other businesses and industry groups
- Has often worked in the same industry
Finding the right mentor ‘fit’ can take time. Even if they have all the above characteristics, you still may not ‘gel’. So don’t rush – much like you wouldn’t rush into any other significant relationship with the first person you meet or that has been recommended to you.
The time together needs to be enjoyable and rewarding for you both. Keep the above characteristics in mind when looking for a mentor, or when you are interacting with them. Remember, you may not always agree on all topics discussed, and that’s OK. As long as you ‘get’ each other and they meet your criteria, the relationship will benefit you.