Working with a Mentor
“Mentors give us the scaffolding to reach heights we can’t reach on our own.”
-Adam Grant, Armchair Expert 2023
As a Strategic Business Consultant at the Elevation Collective, I am often asked about the importance of mentorship in personal and professional growth. I believe mentorship is an invaluable resource that can provide guidance, instil confidence and open doors. With their wealth of experience and wisdom, a mentor acts as a guiding light, helping to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and support their mentee to realise their full potential. Below, I touch on some of the crucial things to consider when contemplating working with a mentor.
What is mentoring?
Mentorship is a unique relationship where a more experienced or knowledgeable person guides someone less experienced. It’s not just about teaching or advising; it’s about sharing life experiences, providing personalised guidance, and helping the mentee grow. It’s a more profound connection grounded in mutual respect and commitment to growth.
Why would someone seek out a mentor?
There are several compelling reasons for someone to seek out a mentor. A mentor offers experiential insights, helping to avoid common pitfalls and accelerating growth. They provide personalised guidance tailored to the mentee’s unique challenges and aspirations. Additionally, mentors can open up networking opportunities and enhance accountability, ensuring the mentee stays on track towards their goals. As Mark Horoszowski mentions in his article: How to Build a Great Relationship with a Mentor in Harvard Business Review, “The research on the power of mentorship is pretty clear: People with mentors perform better, advance in their careers faster, and even experience more work-life satisfaction. And mentors benefit, too. After all, “to teach is to learn twice.”
There is no right or wrong reason to want to start working with a mentor. In my experience working with mentees, they are usually seeking support to achieve a particular goal, often along the lines of:
A challenging workplace environment they wish to be more confident in
Wanting to improve their Leadership skills
Seeking an internal promotion
Wanting to advance their career - looking into new job opportunities
Thinking about starting their own business and need guidance on decision-making
Have started their own business and are a bit lost in the process
What are some of the characteristics that make up an effective mentorship relationship?
Mentorship is a relationship that requires intentional investments of time and energy. The effort you put in determines what you get out of it. Being a mentee is not a passive role; they are responsible for defining their goals, cultivating the relationship, seeking advice, attending meetings or events they are invited to, etc. "Building a strong network of mentors requires a commitment of time and energy, but with these types of relationships, you absolutely get out of them what you put in," says Andrew Rubin, co-founder & CEO of Illumio. "The more you know yourself, what you are good at, what you are not, the more value you and your mentors will get out of the relationship. Then make time to invest in those relationships.” It goes beyond mere guidance; it’s a partnership that empowers the mentee to challenge themselves, fostering mutual learning and progress.
What advice would you give someone looking for a mentor?
For those looking to find a mentor, I advise looking for individuals who align with your goals and share your values. Don’t be afraid to reach out and express your admiration for their work. Building a meaningful mentor-mentee relationship takes time and genuine effort from both parties. The best mentors are the ones who can fill gaps in your skillset. Remember, it’s about finding someone who inspires you, supports your growth journey, and challenges you, not another version of yourself!
Advice for a mentee, once you have decided on working with a mentor, is to:
Discuss your best form of communication - if you prefer face-to-face, make sure this is a priority. Zoom/Google Meets are perfect options for some, so just be clear about your preference.
Commit to the frequency of catch-up that is going to help keep you on track and progressing towards your goals
Have an open discussion about feedback - how you like to give and receive feedback so that you and your mentor can start on the right foot with robust and respectful communication
Don’t waste the opportunity - it is designed to push you, so those times of potential discomfort are why you have a mentor who will help you push through to the next level!
A mentor can be the catalyst for transformative personal and professional development. They provide invaluable insights, open doors to opportunities, and instil a sense of confidence and direction. With the right mentor by your side, the possibilities for growth and achievement are boundless.
Book a free consultation with The Elevation Collective today (below) to see if a Mentor is right for you!
Credit: https://hbr.org/2020/01/how-to-build-a-great-relationship-with-a-mentor
https://www.forbes.com/sites/laurencebradford/2018/01/31/8-tips-for-an-amazing-mentor-relationship/?sh=3f33aa3e21e2
