We look to those around us to lead, show us the way, to be our guides. But why? How many of us have a true mentor that enables us to reach for the stars and develop to our fullest potential. Just because someone holds a more senior position than you in a business does not necessarily make them the ideal mentor.
Choose your mentor wisely, follow people you trust, admire those you know who carved out their path with might and determination. Not just a person with an impressive job title or a fancy car. Find someone who will push you to succeed in your very own version of success.
Sometimes those around us in positions of power or influence are people of inaction. People who reached their destination got comfortable and stopped pushing themselves, it's not a bad thing, but look out for it. If they are inactive in their careers, why would they help you with yours? Anyone not going to push you and help you, might as well be in your way, it sounds very dismissive but if they have stopped caring about themselves, they are not going to care about you. Find someone who can match your drive, maybe not day on day, but overall they have shown to be as hungry as you are, they understand your end and want to help you carve out the means.
Look out for the accidental mentor, people who might leave a big impression from one piece of advice, this might be all that you need. Hundreds of people just have words to live by. My favourite nugget is: “Only ever work for people you can learn from and admire.” so simple yet so important, this person has made it challenging to work for any of her predecessors, but there is a story there, I just haven't finished living it yet.
5 things to avoid with a mentor
- If they are lazy in life they are lazy at work
- If they cannot look after themselves they are not going to look after you
- Having a sports car doesn’t equal success, please see through the bling
- Job titles do not carry the same weight across all industries, for example: Vice president of sales is not as legitimate as Chief of Surgery
- If they cannot answer the question about why they’re helping you, run.
5 things to look for in a Mentor
- Someone who is giving up their time for nothing in return (read that again)
- Someone who has an interest or an idea about how you reach your potential
- They know you and are invested in your future
- Time with them is never rushed
- They share with you honestly about the lessons and the mistakes they have made
People find mentors on the pages of books, in podcasts or sometimes in their own families. This person for you might be someone you talk to often, you haven't given them the title so to speak but every time you meet them you feel motivated, passionate and eager to get on with your goals. I have a few of these people in my life and they might not work for fortune 500 companies, but they have my back every day. They give me what I need to take a risks, courage and support.
What does your mentor really need to look like?
