Study anyone who is great, and you’ll find that they apprenticed to a master, or several masters. Therefore, if you want to achieve greatness, renown, and superlative success, you must apprentice to a master. –Robert Allen
In order to become a world class expert in anything, approximately 10,000 hours of practice is required. This number comes up in study after study whether it is for athletes, musicians, chess players, or even master criminals. There are several strategies that were used by those that were successful. What are the strategies? One strategy these successful people used is to constantly seek guidance and mentorship from the masters in their fields. That is why I believe the key to ultimate career success is to find a mentor for yourself and being a mentor for others.
While you may not be a professional athlete or aspiring grand master, you still want to see success in your career. That’s why you’ve found this blog and our website.Imagine you are lost in the middle of a dense forest. There are many paths you can take, but you don't know where any of them lead. A mentor can come in and guide you through the uncertainty. They have already found the right path through the forest and are ready to share their wisdom with you.
So how can a mentor actually help you in your career?
Learning from Experience
We all know that experience is the best teacher. However, it is much more efficient to learn from someone else’s triumphs and tribulations rather than learning the hard way on your own. A mentor can teach you the best way to navigate tricky situations because they have spent years in the trenches already.
Expanding Your Network
Gaining a mentor is like receiving a VIP pass in your career to exclusive events and opportunities. You gain access to their network which will open up doors that you never even knew existed. The network that you have built up so far will expand dramatically. For example, your mentor may have access to other masters in your field that might be happy to help you move your career forward, as well.
Boosting Confidence
There will be moments when you have self doubt and wonder if you are on the right track. A mentor can support and guide you while providing you with the confidence you need. By having a mentor in your corner, we will be able to overcome challenges and conquer your goals with confidence. Sometimes all you need is someone to ask, “Am I doing the right thing here?” The answers might not always be “yes of course,” but they will help you confidently choose what is the right path forward.
Fresh Perspectives
Your mentor may be bringing years of experience to the table, but you can bring a fresh new perspective as a mentee. The fresh insights that you both have can spark new ideas and solutions to problems that you and your mentor are working on. These new perspectives have the opportunity to enrich your life as well as your mentor’s life. Getting that fresh perspective can always be helpful when tackling bigger decisions. A lot of times we are too close to things to see problems or conflicts that are lurking beneath the surface.
Paying It Forward
You should not only be a mentee but also consider becoming a mentor. The same way that you can benefit from a mentor’s guidance, you have the power to pay it forward. This gives you the opportunity to give back to your community. But mentoring also gives you the chance to solidify your skills and knowledge. For example, when you become a mentor, you are able to teach your skills to another and show yourself your own mastery. Just because you start teaching someone else doesn’t mean you stop learning. Instead, I’ve often found that I tend to learn more about my field when I teach others about it because they ask thoughtful questions.
Building Lifelong Relationships
Although mentorship is a professional relationship, it is a bond that is made through trust, respect, and shared achievements. The connections made between a mentor and a mentee can last a lifetime. These relationships can provide support and guidance long after the formal mentorship has ended.
Now let’s take a look at how to find a mentor
It may seem daunting when you think about finding a mentor. However, if you have the right approach, you will connect with someone who can guide you on your career journey. Here is the way for you to find a mentor:
Clarify Your Goals
Before you even begin your search, clarify what you want to gain from the mentorship. Ask yourself about your career aspirations, the knowledge you are seeking, and the goals you want to achieve. Answering these questions will help you identify the type of mentor that you need. Determine in advance what you want from your mentor. You may want them to help you see possibilities, act as a role model, speak to your heart, open doors for you, or give you validation. No matter what you are looking for in a mentor, do your homework. It’s not uncommon for people to ask “How can I help you.”
Tap Into Your Network
Begin your search by looking into your own network for possible mentors. Think about the people in your network that you respect and admire then reach out to them to express your interest in a formal mentorship relationship. Seek well rounded experience and be brief yet confident when you ask for a mentorship. Don’t be afraid of rejection. Many times a rejection may come with a recommendation for a mentor that could work out more perfectly.
Asking For a Mentorship
In order to recruit mentors, start by making a list of prospects. When you contact them, ask for help for a few hours a month. Here is a helpful script: Hi, my name is…………………….. No, we’ve not yet had the chance to meet. I know you are busy, so I’ll be brief. I am/I own/I lead a ______. Over the years, I’ve observed you to do a fantastic job of building your business and appreciate you as an industry leader. I’m sure at the beginning you had some challenges as you were first starting out…I am now in those early stages like you were, and I’d like to ask if you’d consider mentoring me – all that means is spending some time with me on the phone once a month, so I could ask a few questions. Would you be open to that?
Attend Networking Events
Take time to attend networking events which are great opportunities to meet potential mentors. Introduce yourself to people in your field and be sure to express that you want to learn from their experiences. Exchange contact information with potential mentors and follow up with them after the event.
Utilize Online Platforms
There are many online platforms that have the purpose of fostering mentorship and professional networking. LinkedIn, Meetup, and Mentorship.com can easily connect mentors with mentees that have shared interests and goals. Another good program is SCORE which stands for Service Corps of Retired Execs. SCORE can be found through SBA (Small Business Association). While utilizing these platforms, create profiles that highlight your career background, goals, and what you want to get out from your mentorship. For example, you want to create a profile that a possible mentor could see and immediately decide if they want you to be their mentee.
Join Mentorship Programs
There are many mentorship programs available through organizations, universities, and professional associations. These are programs that are designed to pair mentees with experienced professionals willing to be mentors. Research which programs are available in your industry and apply to participate in them.
Be Genuine and Persistent
Use a genuine and authentic approach when you are reaching out to potential mentors. Explain to them why you admire their work and also how you believe they can help you achieve your own goals. Understand that they may not have the time to mentor you. If they can’t help at this time, it likely isn’t personal. Be respectful and courteous, and don't get discouraged. Follow up politely when you do not receive an initial response. Stay persistent and understand that they are busy.
Be Open-Minded
While searching for a mentor, stay open-minded. The ideal mentor for you may have a different background or a different perspective than you do. Look for someone who shares the same values as you and will be committed to helping you along your professional journey.
Have At Least Three Mentors
Your first mentor will be a one year mentor. They will help you with short term goals and day to day accomplishments. Ideally, this person has been in your situation and will help you meet your one year goals. Your second mentor will be a five year mentor. This mentor will have more experience and will lead you to your five year goals. This will include advancing in your company and in your field. Finally, you should have a “What do I want to do with my career” mentor. This person needs to be someone in your industry that can consult you on big events and decisions. As you grow in your career, this third mentor may need to change. Maybe at first it was your favorite college professor but ten years later it could be a former boss.
Once You Have a Mentor
Follow your mentor’s advice as much as possible. Remember, this is why you wanted a mentor in the first place. Ask your mentor for industry secrets that can help you get things done more efficiently. Practice paying your new knowledge and skills forward to your mentee.
Finding a mentor is an important part of your career journey. You want to find a mentor that shares your values and wants to help you meet your career goals. Give back to your community by becoming a mentor yourself. The relationships that you will make through mentorship can provide invaluable support throughout your entire career. The power of mentorship is real, so take the time to find a good mentor for yourself and to become a good mentor for others.
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